Cry God For Harry!

Adapting the Henriad of three Shakespeare’s history plays into one is an epic task and Rob Croser’s Cry God For Harry! is epic in every way.

Cry God for Harry! combines several teasers from Richard II and a considerable amount of material from Henry IV and Henry V. However, this adaption focuses on Prince Hal and his relationship with his mentor Sir John Falstaff.

Independent Theatre is well known for its production values and this was no exception. David Roach’s stark minimalistic set perfectly matches the adaption with its clean lines and utilitarian blocks that serve many functions. The design ensures that the production flows and the pace never drops.

Roach’s set design is complemented by David Green’s lighting design. Sharp shafts of light cut through the haze, glaring blue/white downlights highlight Hal’s dilemma and red floodlighting warns us of impending battle. The balance of darkness and light is perfect.

Rob Croser’s soundscape is cleverly synchronised with the lighting giving us an insight into each character’s thoughts and immersing us in the pomp and ceremony of the English monarchy.

The costumes, designed and made for the 2001 production, are an eclectic mix of modern day and a stylistic representation of the 15^th century. There is an uncanny similarity to the Jedi knights of Star Wars in some of the costumes.

In directing and adapting this production, Rob Croser has taken on a mammoth task. He wisely focussed of Falstaff’s influence on Prince Hal. This kinship keeps the play focussed and ensures the story is easily understood by audience members unfamiliar with Shakespeare.

Croser’s direction is clearly evident in every aspect of the play, especially the myriad of roles played by a cast of only 16. The characters are clearly drawn and give us a pleasing mix of comedy, drama and anguish.

Although this play has a real sense of ensemble, it is dominated by two stellar performances, Will Cox as Prince Hal and David Roach as Falstaff.

Both actors possess the unique ability to make Shakespeare as understandable as everyday English, while giving us well-rounded complex characters that are riveting to watch.

Will Cox’s Prince Hal is initially playful and naïve, developing into a worldly-wise monarch who is not afraid to make decisions that are unpopular with his court but serve to enrich his country.

David Roach’s Falstaff (who at times reminded me of Brian Blessed) is jocular, ribald but always nurturing of Hal. The scenes with these two actors are memorable.

There are many fine performances from the rest of the cast including Bronwyn Ruciak’s bawdy, sensual Hostess of the Boar’s Head Tavern, James McCluskey-Garcia’s level headed Lord Chief Justice, Tim Taylor’s austere Earl of Westmoreland, Jonathan Johnston’s intense Hotspur and young Jaydan Bush as Falstaff’s page.

In a play containing so much drama, the country scene was a surprising interlude. Five unlikely and unwilling army recruits, their inept leader and his servant provide a laugh a minute and deserved laughter from the opening night audience.

Special mention should be made of Henry IV’s death scene. The attempted reconciliation of the old and soon-to-be new king is heart rending, thanks to Nick Buckland and Will Cox.

My only reservation with this production was the inaccurate articulation from some of the actors which resulted in some of the dialogue being lost.

With a playing time of 3 hours and 10 minutes, Cry God For Harry! is a must for all lovers of the Bard.

Barry Hill

Photographer: Jacqui Munn.