Henry the IV, Part 2

A BBC Radio Shakespeare Production

By: William Shakespeare

Narrated by: Jamie Glover, Timothy West, full cast

In this BBC full-cast production of Henry IV Part 2, civil war is ravaging England. Rebels are rallying together, unified against Henry. Will Henry and his son, Hal, emerge victorious - or alive?

Father and son Julian Glover and Jamie Glover star as King Henry and his son Hal in the powerful production which also stars Timothy West and Prunella Scales.

BBC radio has a unique heritage when it comes to Shakespeare. Since 1923, when the newly-formed company broadcast its first full-length play, generations of actors and producers have honed and perfected the craft of making Shakespeare to be heard.

In this acclaimed BBC Radio Shakespeare series, each play is introduced by Richard Eyre, former Director of the Royal National Theatre. Revitalised, original and comprehensive, this is Shakespeare for the modern day.

©2000 BBC Audiobooks LTD (P)2000 BBC Audiobooks LTD

Powerful language

I always thought HIVII was more or less a placeholder between the more exciting Part I and the more famous Henry V. Listening to this production, however, changed my mind. The language here is masterful; there are some gorgeous speeches by the old King. If you have never experienced this trilogy, try this BBC audio. But don't start here - definitely go for Part I first and finish up with Henry V. At Audible, Shakespeare plays are a bargain!

Why Can't they Call this Henry IV, Part II?

This is hard to find in the Audible catalog because of its name. I felt the Part II was better done than the part I, especially when compared against the Arkangel version (the clear winner to me in Part I, probably a tie for thsi version). In the play, the characters are less likeable, and politics is more to the fore. Well done, and it is important to have both pieces of the story.