Theatre / Reviews
Review: Henry V, Temple Church – ‘Bristol’s theatrical treat of the summer’
One of the highlights of Henry V at Temple Church is a Frenchwoman learning English in the ruins of the bombed-out church.
Shakespeare’s lyricism also has nothing on the songs of Ellian Showering, which I found myself absent-mindedly humming for days after this show.
Insane Root have previously put on memorable productions in locations including the vaults within one of the abutments of the Suspension Bridge and in the abandoned swimming pool in Eastville Park. This time, Temple Church is their canvas for a spirited performance of Henry V.
From an all-female and non-binary cohort of actors and crew comes some wonderful anachronisms, with Siobhan Bevan stealing every scene she is in as the King of France, never without sunglasses and a cigarette, wearing a flowing cape designed by Alice Sales, and even throwing in some ad-libs to the audience.
As Henry, Charlotte East is another star-in-waiting as she flits skilfully from playful to warlike, from casually swinging a tennis racket to swinging a sword with ferocious bloodlust.
Most of the seven actors inhabit multiple roles, with a composed Alice Barclay amid the chaos as chorus just reminding us what is going on and where in the Shakespearian world we are, as well as providing the occasional musical accompaniment on violin.
Siobhan Bevan brilliantly plays the king of France – photo: Craig Fuller
Director Natalie Simone ensures that almost every inch of the grounds of the historic church is utilised, with dozens of coloured tennis balls taking on a highly symbolic meaning.
The audience is on seats (pro-tip: bring or hire a cushion) in front of the famous leaning tower with the actors predominantly within the two concentric circles which mark the original church built by the Knights Templar.
In the same way that this medieval military order went out to fight, so too do our cast with clever uses of slow-motion for the battle scenes. Chapeau to movement director Karla Shacklock and fight director Annie Mackenzie.
And chapeau to our French friends Esmée Cook and Fowzia Madar for their hilarious English language lesson.
It’s just one of the many moments that make Insane Root’s Henry V truly memorable and not just because of their latest location. This is Bristol’s theatrical treat of the summer.
Henry V is at Temple Church until August 2. Tickets are available from www.insaneroot.org.uk, with dynamic pricing and a local resident discount.
Temple Church is the stunning backdrop to Henry V from Insane Root – photo: Craig Fuller
Main photo: Craig Fuller
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