Henry IV Parts I & II

Antony Sher's masterful performance as Falstaff may be the most notable aspect of Gregory Doran's 2014 mounting of Shakespeare's conjoined history plays by the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford-upon-Avon, but his sly, quietly authoritative reading of the role is just one part of a generally well-wrought presentation. Some might quibble with Trevor White's extravagantly volatile turn as Hotspur, who leads the rebellion against the king in Part I, but his swordfight with Prince Hal (an excellent Alex Hassell) at the culminating Battle of Shrewsbury is so vibrantly staged it disarms criticism. More problematic is the decision to portray Rumour, at the start of Part II, as a fellow with a smartphone, an overly cute touch that breaks the period mood. Still, the cast is remarkably fine, overall, with Jasper Britton's King Henry well-matched with Hassell's rambunctious, hedonistic prince. As is characteristic with the RSC, the verse is expertly handled by the entire cast, and even the occasional musical interpolations are intelligently woven in. It's Sher, however, who dominates the proceedings as Falstaff, and while his interpretation is less overtly jolly than that of many others, in the end he's so convincing that it seems a perfect fit. Extras include audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, interviews, and cast galleries. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)