Henry IV, Part 1

Arkangel Shakespeare

By: William Shakespeare

Narrated by: Jamie Glover, Julian Glover, Richard Griffiths

This play introduces Shakespeare's greatest comedic character, the dissolute knight Sir John Falstaff.

While King Henry's England is threatened by rebellion, the king's scapegrace son Hal haunts the taverns of London, his companions a crew of rogues and thieves let by Falstaff. The earl of Northumberland and his fiery son Hotspur scheme to overthrow the crown. Can Hal be brought to a sense of duty as Prince of Wales? Or will the influence of Falstaff prove too strong? The issue is decided when Hal, Hotspur, and Falstaff come together at the climactic battle of Shrewsbury.

Hal is played by Jamie Glover and King Henry by Julian Glover. Richard Griffiths is Falstaff.

Public Domain (P)2014 Blackstone Audio

Why the weird music?

Please just say, "End Act I, Scene ___." Music is annoying and adds extra unnecessary time.

Great Actors

This is a great story with a wonderful performance. The many characters kept me intrigued.

Excellent!

This production was skillfully constructed allowing readers to enjoy a lively performance of the play.

Top notch production

The diction is clear, the dialogue melodious, The play is a great pleasure to experience.

The Hollow Crown

I listened to the Arkangel full cast recording while reading the E Book format of the play from the Delphi Complete Works of William Shakespeare. The plays King Richard II, King Henry IV Pt. 1 and 2, and Henry V, are a part of what is termed “tetralogy” or four plays that go together like a book series. In the last play King Richard II, we find that Henry Bolingbroke has taken Richard's crown and made himself king. How precarious that crown sits upon his head...not everyone is pleased with the new king and there's plenty of mischief afoot. Not to mention a son who doesn't take much too seriously. The character that will steal the show and become a favorite is featured in this, namely Falstaff. With all the shenanigans going on within the play and beautiful singing in Welsh, I believe, it is a delightful entertaining story.