Bell Shakespeare's Henry the Fourth Parts 1&2

The highlight of this production is undoubtably John Bell's central performance as Falstaff. It's a performance that grows and grows, full of humour and pathos. It stands with his other great character roles: Richard the Third and Malvolio. It's a joy to watch John Bell really enjoy himself, the jolly old man one moment, father figure the next, dirty jokes and tenderness alternating as well. And we should remember what a lean, urbane man he is in real life - not the chubby scruff-bag he is in this production of Henry the Fourth Parts One and Two at the WA State Theatre Centre by Bell Shakespeare Company. I must say that the Centre holds up as a wonderful venue for this epic style of theatre. Bell is well supported. Matthew Moore is extremely good and natural as Prince Hal. In fact the whole cast are absolutely committed. Sean O'Shea, (always good), shines in his various roles including a hilarious Justice Shallow as does Wendy Strehlow as a feisty Mistress Quickly. Credit must go to David Whitney, dignified as Henry 1V, the play carrying his name but forcing him to remain pained and stony faced while everyone else has all the fun. Bell has shared Direction with Damien Ryan who runs the exciting, Sport for Jove company and who has obviously delivered. The version which is heavily cut is a kind of user-friendly version adapted by Bell himself. It is still a long sit but all the best bits are there and it is colourful and entertaining. Stephen Curtis's costumes are slightly in the camp direction of 'modern riotous youths' but his cold set design is excellent. The directorial concept and design borrows heavily from the 2011 London Riots. The analogy is between that anarchy and the rebelliousness during Henry 1V's reign as he fought to retain the crown for the House of Lancaster against the unrully elements and against his own doubts in his legitimacy. These wars he fights are all against old allies and friends and the roots can be traced back to his seizing the throne. His advice to Hal to go off and fight foreign wars to unite the people behind him sends a shiver down the spine. By now Hal has doffed the hoody and taken up the black suit of power. He has also thrown off his old mentor Falstaff as he is ready to be King. With his cold reply to Falstaff, "I know thee not old man", he has become Henry V. But at this early stage, our hearts are still with the Fat Knight and with John Bell for giving us such a towering performance.