Arts & Culture
new arc to explore. For the production, it will be about fi nding a world that can relate to the time and place we exist in while still being able to off er a period that has access to a deep understanding about the role of God and king.” Jude Law will also face the challenge
of following in the footsteps of Kenneth Branagh, Laurence Olivier, Richard Burton and more recently Tom Hiddlestone, who have all played Henry. “Jude is at the peak of his abilities right
now and has the dynamism, stamina and the intellect to take on Henry V in a way that will bring the character to life for a new audience - which is at the heart of everything we are hoping to achieve,” said Mr Grandage. “In
“To see so many young people in the audience every night has been genuinely thrilling.”
addition to Henry’s warrior side, he will also search for the King’s spirituality as well as his humour - all of these qualities will illuminate the character and off er a very clear and insightful reading for a new production in the West End.” Joining Jude Law on stage will be Harry
Attwell, Jason Baughan, Norman Bowman, Jessie Buckley, Richard Cliff ord, Ron Cook and Ashley Zhangazha, who will be playing the role of the Chorus. Ashley Zhangazha added: “I think the part of Henry requires an actor with charisma, presence and vitality, and having seen Jude play the title role in Hamlet and also give a brilliant performance in Anna Christie, I think he most certainly has those qualities. “I’m fortunate enough to have worked with Michael Grandage before too and he is the best around. He creates a brilliant atmosphere in the rehearsal room that allows you to feel safe and secure enough to really play. I jumped at the chance to work with him again. T is whole West End season of his, with its emphasis on aff ordable tickets and encouragement of new theatre-goers, is something I believe in strongly.” Shakespeare’s great play of nationhood
Henry V runs from 23rd November 2013 to 15th February 2014 at the Noël Coward T eatre. For tickets, contact the box offi ce on 0844 482 5141
Image by Bronwen Sharp
investigates the bloody horrors of war and the turbulence of a land in crisis. As King of England, Henry must hold his nerve to command his men and lead his country to victory in France. “It is a play about leadership, nationhood and the diffi culties involved in taking a country into war,” said Mr Zhangazha. “T ese issues are always topical and prevalent and always demand investigation. Whether it’s WWII, the Falklands or Iraq, every generation has a reference point. “Grandage’s Shakespearean productions
always have a great combination of accessibility and rigorous psychological detail too. He’s assembled a top-notch cast, which has a great mix of youth and experience. T ese ingredients will hopefully bring about a really immediate and exciting telling of a great story,” added Mr Zhangazha. Michael Grandage also concluded:
“T is is a new production led by a hugely charismatic actor that has been directed, designed and delivered to appeal to a large audience as part of a season that focuses on making Shakespeare as alive as new work and
plays from the twentieth century repertoire. We want audiences to fi nd a way into the play that speaks to them now. “It’s a piece about the responsibilities of
kingship, the morality of war as well as the build-up and aftermath of a battle - all done with words. Audiences can expect to see that tackled head-on with a celebration of language and a new production that should off er both emotional and intellectual insight.”
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