Henry V

Play

Writers: William Shakespeare

Overview

Show Information

Category
Play
Number of Acts
5
First Produced
1599
Genres
Historical/Biographical
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
15th century; england and france
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal for
College/University, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Star Vehicle Male
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes adult, mature adult, child, early teen, late teen, young adult, elderly characters

Synopsis

Under sinister pressure from the Church of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the young King Henry the Fifth is lured into claiming much of Medieval France as property of the English Crown. After being insulted by The Dauphin of France, Henry leads a small but brave band of soldiers into a painful and arduous war with France. The war culminates at the Battle of Agincourt where despite being outnumbered five to one, the English forces are rallied by Henry's epic speech and go on to victory. After peace is declared and the treaty is signed, the French king grants Henry the hand of his daughter, Katherine of Volois, in marriage and England and France are united. However, the show ends with the chorus/narrator giving an ominous reminder that the son of Henry and Katherine, Henry VI, will have a tumultuous reign.

Lead Characters


Henry V guide sections