RSC Friends

Last night’s performance was based around Henry V but, as a bonus, we started with Hal’s rejection of Falstaff from the end of Henry IV (2) and finished with Henry’s burial from the opening scene of Henry VI (1). Another extra was a delightful extract from Holinshed about the benefits of archery practice as exercise read by Nick Asbury.

The first scene from Henry V itself was Chorus’ commenting on the night before Agincourt, beautifully done by Nick. Geoff then took up the baton as Henry reflected on the coming battle and prayed that God would not take revenge on the English army for the actions of Henry IV. Once again, Big Ben was right on cue, chiming the half hour as Henry pleaded with his God..”Not today, O Lord, O, not to-day, think not upon the fault my father made in compassing the crown!” Henry then exhorted us all, however few in number, to join the happy few, his band of brothers: I would certainly have joined them. After Agincourt, we listened to the roll call of French dead, once again accompanied by the chimes of Big Ben tolling overhead. The evening ended with a candle light procession to the tombs of Henry V and Katherine de Valois. Something you won’t get in any other venue.
 
Wow, definitely worth an hour’s wait in the return’s queue!

AND WATCH OUT FOR NICK ASBURY

Before appearing at Westminster Abbey last night (4th May), Nick finished filming an episode of “The Misfits” for E4. This show is described as a “Heroes-meets-Shaun of the Dead” teen comedy drama and it features a cast of five teenage “outsiders” who get caught in a flash storm while on community service and develop superpowers. Wow!
 
In total contrast (I hope) today (5th May) he starts recording an episode of “Doctors”, the long running BBC 1 soap.
 
No transmission dates available as yet.

by Geraldine Caulfield