Throughout the last six decades, Sir Ian McKellen has portrayed nearly every leading male figure in William Shakespeare's works. However, there was one specific character he found himself "uninterested in" and consistently rejected.
In a fresh West End rendition of Shakespeare's Henry IV sections one and two, Sir Ian has finally chosen this moment to embody the role of Falstaff, a character he characterizes as "the quintessential mobster."
Player Kings has amalgamated and condensed the two historical dramas to craft one grand narrative.
The narrative centers on the bond between Hal, a youthful prince destined to become Henry V, and his companion, delinquent rogue John Falstaff, as they maneuver through camaraderie, allegiance, and the clash between duty and merriment.
Sir Ian disclosed to the BBC that he never felt adequately prepared to undertake the role of Falstaff when it was previously offered to him.
"Performers who have tackled the role suggest it presents a significant verbal challenge - it appears tailored for a specific actor and humorist from Shakespeare's era, akin to receiving a script designed for Michael McIntyre," he remarked.
He elaborated that he nearly declined the opportunity once more but found himself "curious and ultimately convinced" by director Robert Icke, who has "transformed Falstaff into a credible persona rather than a caricature."
Toheeb Jimoh, known for his role in Ted Lasso as Prince Hal, mentioned he was also attracted to Icke's adaptation because "he approached it pragmatically, trimming away anything that doesn't resonate with modern audiences."
"He firmly believes that if Shakespeare were alive in the present day, he would be revising and modifying his own writings to enhance accessibility," the young actor, aged 26, included.
Even with the merciless trimming of the two texts, the play's duration extends to three-and-a-half hours, yet the monumental length doesn't concern the actors.
"To condense this play into bite-sized portions is to detract from its essence. It's meant to evoke a sense of grandeur and expansiveness, hence the necessity for this duration to allow every aspect its due time," remarked Jimoh.
His fellow actor Richard Coyle, portraying Henry IV, chimed in: "I believe it's a misconception that one must consistently captivate the audience's attention. There are moments when I desire my mind to wander a bit because it's crucial to experience that sense of drifting in and out.
"The most profound artworks are those that compel me to contemplate while immersed in them, and the impact of prolonged engagement heightens their significance."
'Mixed results'
While the actors remain unfazed by the duration, certain theatre critics observed that the play was "excessively lengthy".
In a three-star critique from The Times, Clive Davis remarked that "Icke's extensive contemporary rendition of Shakespeare's work - spanning almost four hours - produces rather mixed outcomes."
He further noted that during the initial half of the performance, spanning a full two hours, the intensity of the drama is at its peak, but "following the intermission, there's a feeling of events accumulating almost haphazardly."
Another three-star evaluation by What's On Stage also highlighted the "dreary" latter half "where both Shakespeare's dialogue and Icke's decisions appear notably uninspired and lacklustre".
"While there are formidable actors involved, at times it feels like this production is less than the sum of its parts," remarked Alex Wood.
In a four-star critique, Nick Curtis of The Standard highlighted Icke's ability to "underscore how these dramas resonate with contemporary society: they delve into the essence of masculinity and sovereignty, questioning whether we should devote ourselves to obligation or pleasure".
Ensuring the play's accessibility and relevance to modern audiences was a primary concern for the actors, with Sir Ian stressing the importance of engaging young people with the production.
"I lament the insufficient exposure of young people to Shakespeare, and as an actor, I feel a duty to address this gap, as I firmly believe we are the most adept at introducing them to his works."
Jimoh expressed optimism that young audiences would connect with the play.
"It's essentially about a young person navigating the journey of self-discovery and identity. As a young man myself, I can certainly relate to my character, and I believe many others will too."
He mentioned that certain words have been adjusted to enhance comprehension.
"The essence of this production is that you can approach Shakespeare with no prior knowledge and still grasp the storyline."
'McKellen stirs the soul'
Reviewers unanimously lauded Jimoh's portrayal of the young prince - Time Out hailed the actor as "exceptional" and noted he "seamlessly embodies the resolute older version of himself we encounter in 'Henry V'", while The Guardian praised his portrayal of the carefree prince, navigating between a stern father figure in King Henry and a wayward mentor in Falstaff.
Nevertheless, Arifa Akbar observed in her three-star critique that "the narrative of Hal's coming-of-age and his arduous journey towards royal responsibility feels somewhat overshadowed" by McKellen's commanding performance, stealing the spotlight.
In a four-star review from The Telegraph, McKellen received acclaim, with his portrayal "stirring the emotions" as he transitions "from reveling in debauchery to sinking into profound sorrow".
"While this rendition may not go down in history, we undoubtedly depart with gratitude that McKellen embraced the challenge, making it a must-see," wrote Dominic Cavendish.
Following its stint at London's Noel Coward theatre, the production will embark on a nationwide tour, a prospect Sir Ian eagerly supported.
"The play traverses numerous locales across England, from the lively taverns of the East End to the serene countryside of Gloucestershire, making it only fitting that we bring this production far and wide, ensuring as many individuals as possible have the chance to experience it."
Sir Ian tackles Shakespeare role he's never played
