DVD:
Critics' Choice - Henry IV

Phyllida Lloyd's all-female production starring Harriet Walter.

The Opus Arte Critics’ Choice series is a diverse range of titles, featuring some of the most acclaimed recordings in the label’s catalogue at a very special price. In this series we celebrate many famous classics while also revisiting some of the more innovative, original and perhaps less well-known productions that the label has long been renowned for showcasing. All the new Critics' Choice releases contain the beautifully designed, original artwork and colour booklets which, along with a new unique cover design uniting all the titles, makes them ideal for collectors.

What makes a King? What makes a father? Shakespeare's monumental history play travels to the heart of family, duty and country.

This innovative film, recorded before a live audience, documents the Donmar Warehouse's all-female stage production, adapted from William Shakespeare's two plays about King Henry IV, Prince Hal and Falstaff.

The bold, contemporary production is presented as if played by inmates of a women's prison and was described by critics as 'unforgettable'. The director for both stage and screen is Phyllida Lloyd, and Harriet Walter is Henry IV.

"Phyllida Lloyd's tremendous all-women Henry IV roughs up expectations on front after front ... Her cast look more veracious than ever before." (The Guardian ★★★★★)

"The evening belongs to Ashley McGuire's corpulent, cockney, and comically delightful Falstaff. The piteous sight of this hugely appealing bovver-girl getting hauled off at the end by staff like an animal being returned to her cage is frankly unforgettable." (The Telegraph ★★★★)

Genre Theatre
Recording location The Donmar at King's Cross
Author William Shakespeare
Stage Director Phyllida Lloyd
Production Company Donmar Warehouse
Composer Joan Armatrading
Choreography by Ann Yee
Sets Bunny Christie; Ellen Nabarro
Costumes Deborah Andrews
Main Actor Harriet Walter