Plot Synopsis

Henry V is a historical drama. Shakespeare's main sources for the play were Hall's The Union of the Two noble and Illustre Famlies of Lancastre and York and Holinshed's Chronicles of Englande, Scotlande and Irelande. It is generally agreed that the play was written in 1599 due to the topical allusions. For example, 'the general of our gracious Empress' (ACT V scii) is believed to refer to the Earl of Essex who led an English expedition to quell rebellion in Ireland in March 1599. The first recorded performance took place in January 1605 when it was presented at the Court of James I by the King's Majesty's Players.

Henry V has strong patriotic themes and has enjoyed popularity at times of national crisis. For example, Laurence Olivier's 1944 screen version was filmed during the Second World War on the eve of the Normandy Beach landings. The NT production provides an interesting ideological contrast to Olivier's interpretation.

As the play opens, Henry has just ascended to the throne. The archbishop and clergy are surprised by his display of piety and statesmanship, which contrasts to the wild lawless image for which he was renowned as the heir apparent. Henry's claim to the throne of France is justified by the Archbishop in his Salic Law speech. When the French Dauphin insults Henry with a gift of tennis balls, this is taken as pretext for invasion. After unmasking the three traitors - Cambridge, Scope and Grey- Henry sails for France. His army besieges and captures Harfleur. Then, with his famous Saint Crispin's Day speech, he rallies his soldiers to a resounding victory at Agincourt. Comedy is provided by Henry's old drinking companion, Pistol and the Welsh Captain Llewellyn. The play concludes with Henry's uneasy courtship of Katherine of France.