It's an exciting challenge to bring together two of Shakespeare's plays into one production, and I'm so excited to share Player Kings with audiences in the West End and across the country.
Director, Robert Icke
It's an exciting challenge to bring together two of Shakespeare's plays into one production, and I'm so excited to share Player Kings with audiences in the West End and across the country.
Director, Robert Icke
Why see Player Kings?
On Tour
Don't miss this new play adapted and directed by Robert Icke. A reimagining of William Shakespeare's Henry VI Parts I and II that distills the two plays into one, catch David Semark as he steps centre stage as the Bard's work as Sir John Falstaff, friend of young Hal and partner in mischief.
After sustaining an injury from a fall during the west end run, Sir Ian McKellen will no longer appear in Player Kings.
Who is Falstaff?
A presence in three of Shakespeare's plays, Sir John Falstaff is depicted as a rotund, jolly presence for whom mischief comes easily. Be it leading the young prince astray in Henry VI, or wooing women with various scams, his schemes and outlook make him an audience favourite whenever he appears.
Key Information
Dates
Finished 23 Mar
Cast
David Semark as John Falstaff
Toheeb Jimoh as Hal
Richard Coyle as King Henry IV
Raphael Akuwudike as Prince John/Second Drawer
Sara Beharrell as Hotspur’s Servant/Snare/Davy
Samuel Edward-Cook as Hotspur/Pistol
Geoffrey Freshwater as Bardolph
James Garnon as Worcester/Silence
Alice Hayes as Messenger/Carrier
Henry Jenkinson as Harcourt
Nigel Lister as Northumberland/Francis
Annette McLaughlin as Warwick
Mark Monero as Peto
Hywel Morgan as Sir Walter Blunt
Joseph Mydell as Lord Chief Justice
Clare Perkins as Mistress Quickly
Daniel Rabin as Poins
David Semark as Vernon
David Shelley as Sheriff/Surrey
Robin Soans as Shallow
Tafline Steen as Tearsheet/Lady Percy
Perry Williams as Page/Douglas/Thomas
Creative
Adapted and directed by Robert Icke
Design by Hildegard Bechtler
Lighting by Lee Curran
Sound by Gareth Fry
Casting by Julia Horan
Fighting design by Kev McCurdy
Reviews
Customer reviews
36 reviews, average rating: (3.4 Stars)
ALAN
Player Kings
Completely disagree with John from Cheshire. Sir Ian McKellen has a great sense of humour: I remember his hilarious and brilliantly scripted performance in Coronation Street. He must be one of our most versatile
actors ever. To witness his epic role as Falstaff in Player Kings was unmissable, despite the length of the production. ... Read more
Jane
Unmissable and stunning production.
Seen in Manchester on 18th march. Very accessible clever production which engages throughout the three hours with marvellous performances and diction. The second half is somewhat different to the first half but that is the story. Visually arresting, superb caste with stand out performances all round. Sir Ian Mckellan is everything one would hope as falstaff but does not overwhelm the caste. The whole production including sound and lighting is packed with ideas that take you on an emotional journey. It is funny and sad, mixing the modern seamlessly with a Arcadia and without loosing the timeless ideas and messages in the play. Very glad to have seen it. An absolute highlight, entrancing. My feeling was the whole audience thought so too - with standing ovations. My first time at Manchester opera house. Offered scale and intimacy with great seats and accoustics. Would not have missed for the world. ... Read more
Tom
Great - but long!
Wonderful to see the great man on stage and yes amazing-relishing his best lines, but he doesn’t overwhelm the show. Star for me was Hal, a youthful energetic performance. Second half more satisfying than the first tying everything together and setting the scene for Henry V. Great staging too! Love the curtain device Well worth it ... Read more
News
Kitty, July 1st, 2024
The veteran actor will be replaced by his understudy David Semark in the remaining tour stops of Player Kings, due to Sir Ian's ongoing injury....
Read more Ian McKellen pulls out of Player Kings
Kitty, July 1st, 2024
The veteran actor will be replaced by his understudy David Semark in the remaining tour stops of Player Kings, due to Sir Ian's ongoing injury....
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