Player Kings Reviews

Miranda Broadhurst from South West, England

THE PLAYER KINGS

I took away an impression of a self-serving, malevolent and sinister, tempter, Falstaff and I worried for everyone held in his sway. The most moving scene, for me, was that of Hal recognising the Lord Chief Justice's efforts to keep him safe.

ALAN from Manchester, England

PLAYER KINGS

Completely disagree with John from Cheshire. Sir Ian McKellen has a great sense of humour: I remember his hilarious and brilliantly scripted performance in Coronation Street. He must be one of our most versatile actors ever. To witness his epic role as Falstaff in Player Kings was unmissable, despite the length of the production.

Andy from Hampshire

IMBALANCED

As Shakespeare fans we approached this with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Who doesn’t want to see Sir Ian in one of the bard’s most comedic roles, but does it really take 4 hours?! In truth the outcome was the proverbial curate’s egg. Acting was good and the first half held together fine, with lots of comedic interludes to accelerate the pace. However, the desire for pace was almost too great for the second half with the plot becoming both confused and confusing. I realise it is a big ask to complete such a theatrical feast in one sitting - there is a reason even Shakespeare had it in 2 parts!

Hannah from London, England

TOO LONG BUT SAVED BY THE ACTING

First off, all the acting was excellent! However, the first 40 minutes of the play could have been condensed .

Tom from Manchester, England

GREAT - BUT LONG!

Wonderful to see the great man on stage and yes amazing-relishing his best lines, but he doesn’t overwhelm the show. Star for me was Hal, a youthful energetic performance. Second half more satisfying than the first tying everything together and setting the scene for Henry V. Great staging too! Love the curtain device Well worth it

Carrie from London, England

WORTH THE RUN TIME

Judging from audience reactions most were there to see Sir Ian McKellen and they weren't disappointed. The show is staged to showcase him and Sir Ian thrives in the spotlight and hamming up the jokes. But there were scenes in Act I where I was left thinking it felt a bit like posh panto. There is far more emotional resonance in Act II and I was surprised by my response to some scenes which hit harder then the lighter tone of the first half. Richard Coyle was very good as King Henry but the true star was Toheeb Jimoh as Prince Hal, who was a revelation. I look forward to seeing much more of him on future. Also special mention to James Garnon as Worceste,r his impassioned monologue in Act I was excellent. I liked the modernism of the staging, costumes and music, and I thought the use of regional dialects was wonderful. The play is long which I maybe noticed more due to an uncomfortable seat, but the physical pain was worth it.

Sarah from London, England

LEAVE AT THE INTERVAL

The first half may be long but it is engaging and funny, and the time passes quickly. Falstaff and the Prince of Wales are both brilliant. However…..the second half is a random selection of scenes, no cohesion and little to recommend it.

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