John Bell directs and plays Shakespeare’s greatest comic invention, Falstaff, in the bawdy and anarchic classic, Henry 4.
Description
King Henry IV risked everything for the crown. But his son doesn't seem to share the same ambition. Instead, he'd rather hang around with petty criminals and lowlife drunkards. But when the King's former supporters stage a rebellion against him, we're drawn into a sprawling tale of adventure, ambition and
political intrigue.
King Henry IV risked everything for the crown. But his son doesn't seem to share the same ambition. Instead, he'd rather hang around with petty criminals and lowlife drunkards. But when the King's former supporters stage a rebellion against him, we're drawn into a sprawling tale of adventure, ambition and political intrigue.
John Bell directs this new production and stars as Shakespeare's greatest comic creation, Falstaff. Lord of misrule, life of the party, corrupter of youth. And his Australian take on English history, with its monarchy, class system and civil unrest teeters on the edge of anarchy.
This age-old story of a rebellious son and a domineering father is bursting with dramatic tension interspersed with riotous, bawdy comedy, music and violence set to recapture the boisterous atmosphere of Shakespeare's Globe for a modern audience.
More Info
Artist Information
BY William Shakespeare
ADAPTED BY John Bell
DIRECTOR John Bell with Damien Ryan
DESIGNER Stephen Curtis
LIGHTING DESIGNER Matt Scott
COMPOSER Kelly Ryall
FIGHT DIRECTOR Scott Witt
TEXT CAPTAIN Tony Llewellyn-Jones
WITH
Terry Bader, John Bell, Felix Jozeps, Jason Klarwein, Tony Llewellyn-Jones, Nathan Lovejoy, Arky Michael,
Matthew Moore, Sean O'Shea, Yalin Ozucelik, Matilda Ridgway, Wendy Strehlow, David Whitney & Ben Wood
Pricing Information
Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.
| Preview |
$40 |
| Standard |
$72 - $79 |
| Concession* |
$65 - $72 |
| Group 8+** |
$65 - $72 |
| Under 30*** |
$33 - $48 |
Booking fee applies per transaction
$8.50 - Contact Centre
$8.50 - Internet
$5.00 - Box Office Counter
Pricing Information Explained
Pricing Information Explained
For events which offer concession pricing, if you purchase concession tickets, please ensure you have your Proof of Concession with you when you attend an event.
*Concessions applies to any mean tested Australian pensions (Aged Disability, Veterans' Affairs, Health Care, Job Search, Supporting Parent), Seniors Card holders, Full-Time Students and MEAA members.
**Group bookings available for 8 or more. See below for details.
***Under 30 prices are available to those turning 30 in 2013 or under. Strictly limited, also limited to 4 tickets per transaction.
Ticket Booking Enquiries: For all general booking enquiries please email the Contact Centre or call on +61 2 9250 7777 for more information.
Groups Bookings: Please email the Group Booking team or call on +61 2 9250 7700 for more information.
Insider Prices: Insiders are Sydney Opera House members. Insiders get waived booking fees, up to 20% off Sydney Opera House Presents shows and more. More Info
Performance Dates
Running Time: Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes, including a 20 minute interval.
Reviews
'one of the best performances of (John Bell's) long and distinguished career' -
The Australian
'Henry 4 is young, pithy and full of the muck, mire and joy of life... an excellent production' -
Australian Stage
'There's a reason the name Bell Shakespeare has become synonymous with quality theatre... 4 ½ stars out of 5' -
Arts Hub
‘John Bell plays Sir John Falstaff with such glee it is as though a life's ambition is being fulfilled... with such warmth, vulgarity, thirst, appetite, lust, bravado and charming immorality as to ensure the show prospers.’ –
Sydney Morning Herald
‘4 stars. Critics' Choice.’ –
Time Out Sydney
‘4 stars... Bell's Falstaff is a joy.’ – Sunday Telegraph
‘Whitney and Moore are mesmerising in their emotionally fraught scenes together. Bell, meanwhile, seems to relish every moment on stage in a role he colonises completely in a fresh and dynamic take on this classic.’ – Daily Telegraph
‘Shakespearean history at its most accessible and entertaining. Get thee to the Sydney Opera House before the chimes at midnight.’ –
Limelight Magazine
‘All in all Henry 4 is absorbing, thrilling and yet another reminder of why coming back to Shakespeare time and again is one of the best ways of being provoked and entertained and ultimately satisfied with your evening or afternoon out. Recommended.’ –
Stage Noise
‘It’s absolute anarchy! You’d be forgiven if you thought so, but no: this isn’t a Sex Pistol’s reunion. This is Shakespeare.’ –
Alternative Media
Links
John Bell writes for The Australian on Henry 4