Theatre Banshee

Henry IV Reviews

"This sprightly Theatre Banshee rendition of Shakespeare's historical epic apprehends a world of figures with quick dexterity" - Los Angeles Times

"as mounted by the Banshees it’s easily one of the most powerful and compelling productions this year." -Reviewplays.com

"Here, with actors a few feet away and the text intact, nuances spring to life." -LA City Beat

"...dramatic and satisfying... Proof positive why the histories need more frequent stagings". LA Daily News

"magnificent... a worthy production" - Back Stage West

Henry IV, one runs through April 15, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm at The Banshee (click for directions). Please note: there will be no performance on March 17.

Tickets are $18 general admission and $12 for students, seniors and groups of 6 or more.

This epic story is performed by a cast of eighteen actors including: Jason Ball, Douglas Clayton, Seth Compton, David Combs, Dan Conroy, Phillip C. Curry, Josie DiVincenzo, Matt Foyer, Dan Harper, Robyn Heller, Andrew Leman, Barry Lynch, John McKenna, David Mersault, Mary O’Sullivan, Fleur Phillips, Jason Tendell, and Josh Thoemke. The design team includes Laura Brody (costume design) Arthur MacBride (scenic design), and Mary O’Sullivan (lighting design) and an original score by Troy Sterling Nies. Fight choreography is provided by Brian Danner of Swordplay. Sean Branney directs the production.

Henry IV after the first battle
(Andrew Leman)

Free Dinner at Timmy Nolan's
Our friends at Timmy Nolan's Irish Pub in Toluca Lake are once again offering our patrons a buy-one-get-one-free deal on dinner. Click here for the details and download the coupon.

For reservations call 818.846.5323
or click here to make them online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you have any educational materials to help students or those interested in a synopsis of the play?
A: You bet. We have prepared a synopsis that will walk you though the play scene by scene. Our character guide will help you understand the relationships between historical figures. Our historical notes will give you some overall context for the story. Last our discussion questions (coming soon) will give you questions to contemplate, discuss or write an essay on for your teacher. If you can follow the plot of Star Wars, you'll be able to follow Henry IV.

Q: What's with the word "one" after the title? Why aren't you doing the whole play?
A: Sequels have been around for a long time. Shakespeare first wrote Henry IV, and then penned a sequel, Henry IV, part two. They were so successful he did another sequel, Henry V. This is the first play of the series and the "one" is there to help people know which play this is.

Q: Yeah, rebellions, war, blah, blah, blah... Where's the touching story of relationships and human emotions?
A: You've come to the right play. Henry is a story about fathers and sons, love and loss, and the transformation within that is demanded to forfeit one's past and seize one's future.

The Prince versus Hotspur
Josh Thoemke and Seth Compton

Q: Yeah, relationships, emotions blah, blah, blah... Are there any crazed Scotsmen with axes killing everyone who crosses their paths?
A: Funny you should ask...

Q: Aren't histories boring?
A: Au contraire! This play is action through and through. Robberies, dirty jokes, heavy drinking, family squabbles, and people killing each other with huge swords breathe life and blood into history.

Q: How long is it?
A: It's about two hours and forty minutes, including an intermission with plenty of time for snack and restroom break.

Q: Do the actors speak with fakey English accents and prance about wearing tights?
A: No.

Q: Did Theatre Banshee move?
A: No, we took over the Gene Bua Theatre and it's now The Banshee. It's the same location where you've seen our other productions, newly remodeled, rennovated and better than ever.

Q: What happened to Gene & Toni?
A: They are alive and well and teaching classes in The Banshee several times a week.