More Shakespearience - Henry V

The third of four productions of Shakespearian plays by the Hills Collective closed last Saturday night. This time Jakal (sic) Theatre presented a trimmed version of Henry V.In contrast to the production of well-acted if visually sparse Winter's Tale presented a couple of weeks ago by Scarp Theatre, i thought this production was visually quite stylish with some striking tableaux and lighting, and simple but effective use of colour to differentiate the English and French camps.For any audience member not familiar with the play or the period of history it is set in, little "helpers" for the audience, such as dressing the English predominantly in red and the French in blue, can make the world of difference. Similarly, full height red and blue banners looped on rods slung over the stage allowed quick changes between colour schemes symbolising the two warring nations.The Battle of Agincourt was cleverly staged by pin spotting actors in sequence in various warlike poses. Unfortunately, this device was accompanied by some relatively low-key orchestral music. I couldn't help feeling that this would have been a vastly more effective device with more appropriate music.Visuals and music aside, the acting and staging were for the most part sedentary. I couldn't help feeling the production suffered from having the director in the title role. The consequence of which was that scenes were very static with very little movement; entrances and exits were often awkwardly staged and executed. The pace was generally very slow and as a result the production did not build the dramatic tension needed to maintain some extended dramatic pauses.Is it too mean to suggest that i applaud the effort and enthusiasm if not the execution? There were some great ideas there and i look forward to seeing this young company's work after a couple more years' experience.I'm also looking forward to heading back up to the hills to see Jakal's The Taming of the Shrew. Does anyone know the season dates? Am i right in thinking it closes this weekend?CheersGrant