The Battle of Agincourt arrived with a bang on Tuesday with the Globe Theatre production of William Shakespeare’s Henry V at the Theatre Royal in Bath.

This touring production is the launch the companies summer season at the Globe Theatre on the Thames in London.

The story starts with Henry being told of his right to claim the crown of France. He becomes determined with his right after the Dauphin of France sends him a gift of a box of tennis balls. As the English prepare to sail from Southampton, Henry is warned of three traitors in his command. Before the ships embark Henry renders the traitors for execution. Henry’s armies are weakened after the siege of the French port of Harfleur and he plans to retire to Calais. The French outnumber the English who are ready for battle at Agincourt near Calais. The English win the battle and Henry takes France. The story ends with the marriage of Henry and Princess Katherine of the French Court.

Henry V is about war, politics and heroism. Jamie Parker’s portrayal of Henry was brilliant as he showed his extremes, a caring and loving Henry and the Henry of war. His subtleties of expression were inspiring. Shakespeare endeavors to involve his audience in the performance. Before the play started, musicians wandered on to the stage and gently played as the audience took their seats. Throughout the play characters arrived on stage through the audience. The best example occurred during the battle scene with archers firing over our heads, as drummers played within the auditorium, building to a louder crescendo as the battle was fought. Other memorable performances came from Sam Cox as Pistol and Brendan O’Hea as Captain Fluellen. Their moments of comedy proved a perfect contrast against the backdrop of war.

This was my first Shakespeare play and it took a while for me to understand the olde english language but the excellent performance by the company very quickly drew me into the story. Shakespeare’s Henry V is at the Theatre Royal in Bath until Saturday May26.