With tickets going on sale today, the award-winning Guildford Shakespeare Company (GSC) have also announced the cast for their 8th live online theatrical production, Henry V.
The country is exhausted; political infighting has plagued the people for far too long; Europe looks on and laughs. A charismatic, untested young leader ascends the throne. The people hold their breath… Yet Henry’s vision will see him, and his country, turn around their shattered state, take pride in who they are and collectively forge a new peace and prosperity.
Taking inspiration from Chorus’ first speech in the play where the audience is called upon to use their ‘imaginary forces’ and ‘into a thousand parts divide one man’, five actors will they bring to life Shakespeare’s Henry V, playing 26 characters.
The cast brings together a collection of the company’s best-known actors Paula James (RSC Encounters), Chris Porter (Kenneth Branagh Season West End), Emily Tucker (Blithe Spirit, West End/Bath Theatre Royal) Matt Pinches (GSC Co-Founder) Gavin Fowler (Troilus in Troilus & Cressida RSC; Puck in Michael Grandage’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, West End) who plays the title role. Chris, Emily and Matt all appeared in GSC’s original 2014 production staged at Guildford Cathedral from which this is adapted.
Matt Pinches said “We are thrilled to have such a fabulous cast for this special retelling of Henry V, and Caroline’s inspiring 2014 production. This production, with the play’s own homage to theatre, will be a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of our industry, as well as a celebration of all that we love about the theatrical experience. The play also carries a unique message of hope that the impossible is possible, a sentiment that has never felt more poignant than in our recent times.”
Henry V runs Thursday 22 April – Sunday 25 April, tickets are on sale here.
