KING HENRY V
Another role possibly inhibited by the interpretation, no doubt having to turn admittedly jingoistic sentiments into expressions of nastiness, and turn heroic speeches into more reflective and sometimes self deceitful speeches for the benefit of his troops or his politics. Hence, the “Once more into the breach” speech and the St Crispin’s day exhortation did not soar in the classical sense.
But this was no detriment to the acting skills and the textual understanding demonstrated by this outstanding actor. He had the necessary stage presence to draw the attention throughout. He was fluent, with impeccable diction and a great vocal range enabling him to bring out the richness of the language. He could start at a gentle, almost conversational level with his supporters and then by well judged gathering strength and variation in speed build his speeches to a dramatic if sometimes bitter climax. His energy and fighting skills were ably demonstrated and his gentle if awkward wooing of Katherine was superbly played with an understatement but a razor sharp awareness of his words and sentiments,“I know no ways to mince it in love but to say directly, “I love you””.
His scenes on the night before the battle showed his determination despite doubt and he kept it consistent and clear, “Our children and our sins lay upon the king! We must bear all” with the tortured anxieties consistent with the character here being created. Splendid courageous, fast, active, he was a Fight Director, too, and with more anger, cruelty and ambition than we could have expected. Excellent work from Richard!
Current Projects
Rehearsing P.V.T Wars for Tin Shed Theatre in the role of Silvio .
Touring with "Summer With Monika" with A.S.Productions from June.
Filming feature "After Dark" which begins in July.