Details

Irish writer and Scotsman newspaper literary critic Robert Nye's novel was winner of The Guardian Book Award, and is a portrait of Shakespeare’s great comic character, exploring the man and the myth. Adapted for the stage it paints a wonderful historical and humorous portrait of Great Britain seen through the eyes of the great man himself, holding court for one last bawdy evening at the Boar’s Head Tavern. This critically acclaimed world premiere production comes to the UK direct from the National Arts Centre’s sell-out season in Ottawa, Canada and as part of its international tour. Drinking, wenching, fighting, and manipulating, Falstaff sets the benchmark for them all as England sees four kings - including Falstaff's one-time carousing partner, Prince Hal - on the throne, as it rides roughshod over Ireland, and as it battles France in the Hundred Years' War. Falstaff, a still-vigorous and eternally unrepentant 81-year-old man when we meet him, remembers and comments on it all from his favourite haunt, the Boar's Head Tavern.

Cast/Performers

Roger Forbes (Falstaff)

Creatives/Company

Producer(s): Richard Jordan, The Old Castle Group (in association with Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre)
Company: The National Arts Centre of Canada
Book by(s): Robert Nye, Robert Nye
Adapted by: John Wood
Director: John Wood