'Henry V' is not one of my favourites of Shakespeare's plays, though am not sure whether it would be counted as a lesser play in my book because it does have a lot of powerful text (the St Crispin's Day speech being one of the bard's finest) and an interesting titular character. Do consider it one of his better historical plays along with 'Richard III'. Just for the record, really love Shakespeare and have done since studying 'Macbeth' and 'Twelfth Night', two of my favourites of his, in Year 6.
There are some fine performances of 'Henry V', even the weakest of the versions available (to me the 1979 BBC Television Shakespeare production, with a competition that contains the Kenneth Branagh, Laurence Olivier and 'The Hollow Crown' versions, all recommended highly) has a good deal to like. This 2015 production from Royal Shakespeare Company is though a strong contender for the best, and of all the productions of Shakespeare's work performed by the company and captured on DVD in the past 15 years or so to me it's one of the standouts.
It is a fine looking production, especially the very atmospheric set and haunting yet never too dark lighting. All the costumes are tasteful. Have always been very impressed by the intimacy and remarkable authenticity of the video directing for the Royal Shakespeare Company productions, have always liked it when any production for any play, opera or ballet is filmed in a way that makes one feel like you are there and observing the action and RSC has always excelled at this. The sound is fine, not too loud that it overbears the dialogue and not misplaced and the music has a nice atmosphere in its own way.
Gregory Doran's stage direction is always compelling, even in the stretches that can be potentially uneventful, a lot is done to make the drama accessible and engaging for both long term fans and newcomers. There is also nothing distasteful or strange about it, every touch feeling like there was a reason for it to be there rather than being there pointlessly with no clear reason and everything makes sense. There is a healthy dose of genuinely hilarious humour and the dramatic moments are very moving (like the reading of the list of the slain). The St Crispin's Day speech may not rouse, but it is very heartfelt and inspiring in delivery and is not too intimate like it was in the 'The Hollow Crown' version. The action doesn't look clumsy or under-rehearsed thankfully, the Agincourt scenes are performed beautifully and in terms of how much of Shakespeare's dialogue translates and what makes it in the staging the production is very faithful.
All the performances are exemplary. Alex Hassell expertly shows how much Henry has progressed and matured since 'Henry IV Part 1' and gives a confident and very honest performance in the title role that shows no sign of being taxed. While there is not a single bad performance in the production, the other standout was the truly commanding presence of Oliver Ford Davies. The character interaction in the comedic parts is so much fun to watch and the Agincourt scenes are beautifully acted.
Summarising, wonderful production. 10/10
