Greg Doran's production continues in the same vein as Part 1, well, almost. Henry IV part 2 starts with a prologue by Rumour telling us of the perils of misinformation - this is played out in a very modern way; cell p[hones, selfies, twitter tags, projections. It is completely out of keeping with the rest of both productions but somehow it works exceptionally well and adds a certain relevance to our own lives, as well as to tghe "please turn off your mobile phone" message ;-)
Part 2 is definitely somewhat bitty (as a play). Geographically we are all over the place and somehow there is less coherence to the plot. There are, however, some lovely set pieces amd Oliver Ford Davies' Justice Shallow and Jim Hooper's Justice Silence definitely falls into that category - a lovely, quiet, beautifully paced section. Pistol (Antony Byrne), on the other hand, brings a manic streak to the proceedings, a little over the top? Perhaps, but certainly a helpful pace change. Jasper Britton's dying King is pitched perfectly and the final scenes between him and Prince Hal are very moving. I also greatly enjoyed the deflation of Falstaff as Prince Hal, now Henry V, denies him - then offers him some advancement should he mend his ways, which of course he wont.
As with Part 1, an excellent cast and clean production, I would go see them both if you can, if you can't then Part 1 has the edge - there is a CD of the music and major speeches which is also available from iTunes.
Catch this production on tour or broadcast live to cinemas (18 June).