THE FAMOUS VICTORIES OF HENRY V To Transfer to Barbican

Following its opening in Stratford-upon-Avon, and its tour to school halls and theatre spaces across the country in Summer 2015, The Famous Victories of Henry V comes to the Barbican for one performance only. Directed by Owen Horsley and using Shakespeare's original language, the production condenses the three great plays of Henry IV Parts I & II and Henry V into a 90 minute adventure for 8 - 13 year olds.

The Famous Victories of Henry V introduces us to notorious bad boy Prince Hal as he swaps his rebellious life on the streets of London for the battlefields of France to become one of the most famous heroes in British history. Hal's epic journey into adulthood will lead its young audience through a life of scandal, parties, friendships, family feuds, rebellion and new responsibilities, ending in glorious victory as the once infamous Prince of England becomes the brave and noble King Henry V.

The production takes place in the 600th anniversary year since the battle of Agincourt, and complements the RSC's forthcoming cycle: King and Country: Shakespeare's Great Cycle of Kings. The title of The Famous Victories is taken from an early play that may have inspired Shakespeare to write the Henry plays.

Owen Horsley, Director of The Famous Victories of Henry V said:

"The Famous Victories of Henry V weaves Shakespeare's Henry IV Part I and II and Henry V together to produce the ultimate coming of age story. Our production, which tells of how the wayward Prince Hal becomes a heroic and valiant King, is bold, dynamic and fun. With the help of our young audience we hope to create a lively show that celebrates the power of imagination and the wonder of theatre."

Owen is Associate Director on Gregory Doran's forthcoming productions of Richard II and Henry IV Parts I and II and Henry V. He is also Artistic Director of Eyestring Theatre Company, and in 2010 became Associate Director for Cheek by Jowl, after being Declan Donnellan's Assistant Director on a number of productions.

Other members of the creative team include: Simon Anthony Wells (designer) and Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown (fights).

Notes for Editors:

The production also played at the Drake Performance and Event Centre at The Ohio State University. The Royal Shakespeare Company in America is presented in collaboration with The Ohio State University.

This performance is supported by THE ALLAN & NESTA FERGUSON CHARITABLE TRUST

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