Henry VIII at Shakespeare's Globe

'Henry VIII', one of Shakespeare's last plays, is not the Bard at his best by any stretch of the imagination. It has interesting characters, primarily Wolsey (who is actually the main character), and the scenes between Wolsey and Katherine simmer with tension and intrigue. But the play as an overall whole is otherwise on the dull side and lacks meat, and when it comes to the language it manages to out-wordy 'Antony and Cleopatra' while not having as many memorable quotes.

This Shakespeare Globe production is a laudable effort and has a lot done well, especially the performances. Credit is due for making the play more interesting than it actually is, even if a few of the decisions made end up being distracting. Did think however that the production could have been better and it is neither one of the best filmed Shakespeare Globe productions or one of the worst. Instead somewhat straight down the line.

Am going to start with the good. It is a great looking production, especially the truly beautiful costumes. Once again the video directing is suitably intimate, making one feel like they are there observing the action, while opening up the action enough. Most of the stage direction is very tastefully and cohesively done, with nothing static and with little overblown excess, and the tension and intrigue burn in the Katherine and Wolsey scenes. The entrances and exits are skillfully done with clever use of doors.

Performances are very good to great. The acting honours belong to Ian McNeice as a wonderfully duplicitous Wolsey, McNeice really relishes the final speech. Kate Duchene is a dignified Katherine and Dominic Rowan a lively Henry.

It is not a perfect production though. Did find the music score intrusive and that it could have featured less.

Really could have done without the puppets, was really perplexed by their purpose and it distracted rather than illuminated or enhanced. Amanda Lawrence's Fool comes over as annoying.

Concluding, laudable effort and there is a lot good but Shakespeare Globe is capable of better. 7/10.