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 13 Jul
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)
Karen
Powerful
Saw the production at Norwich and so glad I made the effort.
Time flew by - not disappointed with McKellen replacement - energetic, roguish, manipulative yet whole hearted
Prince Hal extraordinary - what a talent - will look him out in future ... Read more
SJ Griffiths
Amazing! Go see it
Booked to watch Player Kings at the Noël Coward theatre very last minute. Very glad I did... It did not disappoint. Sir Ian was wonderful. Absolutely mesmerising. The energy, commitment and sheer charisma the man brought to the role were off the charts. One of our finest. Toheeb Jimoh was also stunning as Hal. Wonderful actor and really enjoyed their scenes together. All the actors and ensemble cast were brilliant and you could tell they had a great rapport and had a lot of fun making this. Thoroughly enjoyed the play as a whole. Interesting set pieces, visual and sound effects well thought out and kept the play moving seamlessly forward at a hearty pace. Well deserved standing ovation at the end. Thank you for a wonderful night. Go watch it! Even if you are not a Shakespeare fan, this will knock your socks off!
... Read more
Miranda Broadhurst
The Player Kings
I took away an impression of a self-serving, malevolent and sinister, tempter, Falstaff and I worried for everyone held in his sway. The most moving scene, for me, was that of Hal recognising the Lord Chief Justice's efforts to keep him safe. ... 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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