The First Part of King Henry IV (version 2)
William Shakespeare
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
After the events of Richard II, wherein the conceited King Richard II is dethroned and assassinated, Shakespeare’s Henriad continues apace with this multifaceted work that details the reign of Richard’s illegitimate successor, King Henry IV. In this play, the first of two parts, a rift grows between the King and his former allies, the Percys, after Henry raises the ire of the irascible young Hotspur when they butt heads over ransomed prisoners from a recent battle. Collaborating closely with the Welsh and Scots, the Percys carefully plan another rebellious deposition. Meanwhile, Henry’s wayward heir, Prince Hal, is whiling away his time with highwaymen and reprobates in cheap taverns instead of at the court, with his chief companion—and secondary father figure—being the slovenly old braggart Sir John Falstaff (who remains one of Shakespeare’s greatest and most entertaining creations). The antics of Hal and Falstaff strike a lighter contrast to the Percys’ seditious scheming, until both subplots converge at the climactic Battle of Shrewsbury, where Hal’s true character emerges and Henry’s tenuous hold on the throne is put to its ultimate test.
And to perform it all? Three men (Craig Franklin, Tomas Peter, and Brad “Hamlet” Filippone) and two women (Jenn Broda and Kelly S. Taylor), determined to give you a performance of Shakespeare's work that you will never forget. You thought you knew your Shakespeare? Well, think again! - Summary by Tomas Peter
CAST LIST:
Kelly S. Taylor: Narrator; Mistress Quickly; Sir Walter Blunt; Sir Richard Vernon; John of Lancaster; Peto; Chamberlain & Second Messenger.
Brad “Hamlet” Filippone: King Henry IV; Sir John Falstaff; Edmund Mortimer; Francis; Servant to Hotspur & First Messenger.
Tomas Peter: Henry, Prince of Wales; Henry “Hotspur” Percy; Gadshill; Sir Michael; Ostler & Second Traveller.
Craig Franklin: Earl of Westmoreland; Earl of Douglas; Poins; Owen Glendower; Earl of Northumberland; Archbishop of York & Second Carrier.
Jenn Broda: Earl of Worcester; Bardolph; Lady Percy; Vintner; Sheriff; First Carrier & First Traveller. (3 hr 6 min)