Henry V

Shakespeare's well-loved, controversial treatise on war and leadership is re-imagined on a life-sized board game, where the audience conspire to decide Henry's fate on the battlefield.

Pared back to a rapid-fire 90 minutes, this dynamic ensemble piece combines the original text with striking physical imagery, innovative movement sequences and direct contact with the audience to tell the inspiring story of one leader and his epic struggle for victory.

Every year, alongside its evening performances, this accessible production offers free matinees to all state schools in Southwark and Lambeth. Last year's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream was a sell-out success for the theatre and also played to over 1300 children from 33 schools, all of whom benefitted from a pre-show workshop with the actors in the classroom. This year, workshops will introduce the interactive elements of the show so that the young audience can take an active part in the storytelling on their visit to the theatre.

Director Emily Lim is this year's winner of Southwark Playhouse's annual Better Bankside Award (now in its third year). The scheme offers an opportunity to a director at an early stage in their career to realise a fresh interpretation of a Shakespeare play. They are mentored by Artistic Director Ellie Jones and the theatre's Youth and Community Director Ellen Hughes. The scheme is highly competitive, attracting around 100 applications each year. This will be Emily Lim's first major production in London. The is joined by established professionals, movement director Leon Smith (Tangled Feet) and designer Chris Gylee (Tobacco Factory).