Civil unrest, trouble with Europe, the death of a monarch… Experience Shakespeare’s unnervingly relevant Henry V in a ‘terrific… fast, slick and fresh’ ★★★★ (The Telegraph) production that offers a different perspective on England’s hero.

Henry, the young and newly crowned king, is impatient to assert control over the people of England. Having received a humiliating gift from overseas, his bruised ego leads him to double down on a military invasion abroad in a bid to expand his green and pleasant land. But at what devastating cost?

Performed in the intimate, indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse for the first time, witness Henry’s bombastic pursuit of power, throwing into question what it really means to be English.

A production by Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong, with Leeds Playhouse and Royal & Derngate, Northampton, directed by Headlong’s Artistic Director Holly Race Roughan (Corrina, Corrina, Liverpool Everyman; Metamorphoses, Shakespeare’s Globe).

‘The game’s afoot:
Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
Cry ‘God for Harry, England, and Saint George!’’

 – Act III, scene 1

Content guidance: This production contains graphic violence; coercive behaviour; sexual assault and strong language, including descriptions of infanticide and sexual violence. Please contact the ticketing team on 020 7401 9919 or [email protected] if you would like further details on the play’s content.

Due to the intimate nature of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, we are unable to admit latecomers so please arrive in plenty of time before the performance.