A new review for Henry V at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre has been shared by Reviews Hub, with some kind words about Joseph Millson as Henry. 

The title role of King Henry is one of the most challenging written by the bard with numerous lengthy yet ingenious speeches, most of which are well known and often quoted. Many fans of Shakespeare will have their own idea of how these speeches should be delivered. What a challenge to take on, and Joseph Milson stands up to it with the majesty and gallantry of, well, a king. Delivered with real attention paid to the detail of the language, Millson’s interpretation has a lovely classic feel to it. A little quiet at times in the open air, yet Millson successfully reveals to the audience what is truly going on in Harry’s mind and the difficulties behind leading his band of brothers into battle.

There is also a good review for Sarah-Jane Potts, please read the review in full on Reviews Hub. 

There is also a new blog review for the play here.

Loveday Ingram who directs Henry V in a recent interview has stated; “Henry V is the most controversial of all Shakespeare's history plays because of its exploration of leadership, something so relevant in the UK today, and for that reason the play is most poignant. King Henry is a glorious, charismatic leader, with brilliantly persuasive rhetoric and a warm heart, but he is also ruthless, cold and unyielding, hungry for power and the crown of France”

Well I tend to agree in regard to how actor Joseph Millson portrayed this Henry. He gave a very striking, powerful side to Henry and yet there was a definite vulnerability and sensitivity to his performance. Millson had a watchable stage presence from the off, something I believe a personal thing this ‘presence’ and for me generally only one or two actors have ‘it’ in most theatre performances I see. I therefore was willing his portrayal of Henry would match his presence. Well I can say it did, his physical quirks which I noticed and maybe not everyone would have, made this for me a very natural and impulsive Henry, Millson didn’t push the acting and his annunciation and vocal projection were excellent. I watched him intently as he came and sat in the audience during a scene and not once did he drop the performance.

Henry V, Twelfth Night, and The Borrowers run until August 25th. Tickets available via the Grosvenor Park website.