Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another review here at StageSideUK. This time around, we are talking about a production of Henry V at The Attic Theatre seen on 17th April, 2025!
Last month I took a little trip to the land of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon. It was a nice little birthday trip aiming to relax, see some theatre, and soak up the spring sun. Little did I know Tread the Boards were putting on my favourite Shakespeare play, on the night we had nothing planned, so obviously we had to go.
One of Shakespeare’s War of the Rose’s histories, the play follows our titular character in his early years as king, taking England to battle against the French. It’s full of motivational speeches, a variety of characters from all historical classes, and energetic fight scenes.
Who are Tread the Boards at The Attic Theatre?
Founded in 2008, Tread the Boards are the resident company at The Attic Theatre, the no.1 Fringe theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon (according to their website). The theatre itself, situated in Cox’s Yard, is a grade II listed building with visible history on view as you watch the show. The company work with professional actors, designers and directors from across the country to produce productions ranging from adapted classics, new writing, family shows, pantomimes, comedy nights and musicals.
Review of Henry V
For the price, I thoroughly enjoyed this show. It was an unexpected night out filled with great storytelling, the cast performed very well and were very engaging to the unfortunately small audience. As a professional production, I was a little let down by the design elements. The costumes and sets felt a little amateur but I suppose they did the job and I’m sure there were budget and spacing challenges that all artists face.
The cast really were the standout of this performance. George Ormerod was a very compelling Henry, I was ready to fight the French for him. Every other actor played a few different characters and I was impressed at the skill to make sure the audience clearly knew the differences, even with little costume change in some cases.
Shout out to John-Robert Partrigde as Chorus who covered an immense number of characters and consistently kept the audience on board. His accents were great, even my Welsh friend was impressed. Emmeline Braefield was an excellent Mistress Quickly and Hamish Macaulay’s Dauphin was brilliantly camp and poised without the need for the Lord Farquaad haircut in the 2015 RSC product (iykyk).
Some favourite moments have to Captain Jamy just in general, the Duke of Orleans raging across stage, and I’m always a sucker for Henry’s flirting with Katherine.
This production has now finished but I would definitely recommend popping over to the box office by the river, or checking online, to see what’s coming up. If you have a free night and you’re over in Stratford-upon-Avon, go see some theatre in the area that is not just RSC.
It was quite sad to see such a small audience. I think we did ok to spread out so it looked more full than it was but in a town so famous for its theatre history, and during the Easter holidays, the auditorium should have been full.
This is my call for the bigger theatres in the area, including the RSC, to help the smaller guys more!
I hope that the venue and company continue to produce some great stories!
Accessibility
The production focused heavily on the storytelling by the actors so there was little additional sound and lighting, and nothing that was noticeably obtrusive. The loudest moments came from the fighting scene with actors shouting, roaring, and swordplay.
Value for money
Tickets were £15 with other discounts available for students and concessions. I thought that was a great price for some spontaneous evening theatre. Worth the price and if I was there longer I would have gone to see their other show. You are also able to buy drinks and snacks at the Cox’s Yard bar and bring them in with an interval long enough for you to head over and get what you want. The front of house staff was very welcoming and made sure everyone was back before signalling to start the second act.
Tickets are not longer on sale for this production but more information about future shows can be found here.
Have your say!
Have you seen Henry V? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
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Jonathan Harper