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Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
by Jaclyn Postlethwaite
 Having
only been to the theatre with school a long time ago, I was full of
apprehension on entering the Royal Exchange; this time I was waiting
with intensity having no idea what the performance would be like.
The bell rung to tell everyone the start of Henry V was upon us and
entering the theatre was like stepping into a world of its own.
The play being Shakespearian was obviously slightly difficult in places
even for one who is studying it at university. But I deduce that the
story is as follows:
Advisors talk bout how strong England is and how conquering France would
be best for the country, even the church is behind the attack Thus, the
King goes out to war followed by his subjects who go along even if they
aren’t really sure of what they are fighting for.
As the battle rages we see a less confident king and wavering loyalty
from his subjects. As the war comes to a close the Princes of France are
captured and killed and the war is proclaimed over with more than 10,
000 dead on the French side and only a few on the English, making
England is the ruler of France.
The king of England has defeated the French, and as part of his treaty
with France he asks for the hand of the Princess Catherine. When the
play comes to a conclusion the subjects of the King have prospered and
the king himself has gained a wife.
So now into the exciting bit, the costumes were not of authentic swords
and stallions, but of a mix of times with the English being similar to
the world wars uniform and the French being from the French revolution
period. Yet the miss match was easily forgotten in the explosions of
war, with a moving stage, a water feature and loud bangs and flashes of
light. It is so easy to forget that you are watching anything
Shakespeare had written.
The actors filled the room their expressions, and if you were finding it
difficult to understand the play their expressions would tell all.
The females of the cast gave a light relief. I have to say, the French
they used was remarkable, and even though I had no idea what they were
saying for most part, I understood the meaning they were portraying.
Actually, all the actors were amazing; acting must be emotionally
draining with all the emphasis they placed into punctuating every word.
In fact, it reminded me of that episode of Friends where Joey’s co-star
in a play keeps spitting at him to emphasise his words.
I know they had to stress what they were saying but it was a strange
thing to watch, we’re always told not to spit! The singing was
outstanding too not a note out of tune.
We cannot miss out the people behind the scenes. The lighting and smoke
organisers were perfect timing, and to everyone else behind the scene, I
have to say; congratulations on such an explosive production!
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