Henry VI: Wars of the Roses

Henry VIII

Guidance All Ages • 2h 15m

Stratford Festival presents Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, a searing drama about one of England’s most romantic yet brutal periods. When King Henry falls for Anne Boleyn, he must somehow divorce Queen Katherine. The consequences will be momentous for the country – and disastrous for the king’s adviser, Cardinal Wolsey, who is losing his grip on power. Captured live at Stratford Festival’s Studio Theatre in 2019.

Richard III

14+ • 2h 54m

In the aftermath of the War of the Roses, a young Richard of Gloucester begins his manipulative climb to power in this savagely comic production from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Directed by Gregory Doran and starring Arthur Hughes in the title role, this thrilling climax to Shakespeare’s first great history cycle explores the dangers of tyranny. This production was captured in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2022.

Henry VI: Rebellion

All Ages • 2h 26m

The Royal Shakespeare Company's trilogy continues with Henry VI: Rebellion, the second installment of Henry VI plays. When ordinary men and women start to speak out, Henry's already tenuous hold on the English throne wavers. The people rise in protest, but who is behind the rebellion?

Henry VI: Part One Open Rehearsal Project

All Ages • 1h 57m

For the first time in its history, the RSC invites audiences into its rehearsal room for a unique insight into the making of a play. Directed by Gregory Doran and Owen Horsley, this production of Henry VI: Part One was filmed as a run-through performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first play in Shakespeare's trilogy sees rivals assert their claim to the throne at home and from abroad, laying the tensions for the War of the Roses.

King John

All Ages • 2h 32m

Filmed live at Stratford festival in 2015, Tom McCamus commands the stage as England’s hedonistic and mercurial king in Shakespeare's tale of tenuous rule and desperate measures. This vivid production also stars Patricia Collins as the wickedly ambitious Queen Eleanor.

They Shall Not Pass: Battle of Cable Street

Guidance 12+ • 41m

Steven Berkoff reads the dramatic text from his successful stage play based on the clash in 1936 between socialists, trade unionists, immigrants and dock workers against Oswald Mosely, 3,000 fascists and 6,000 Metropolitan Police officers on London’s Cable Street. This work achieved sold-out performances in 2019 and highlights Berkoff’s reputation as a distinctive and original voice of the East End.

King John

Guidance 12+ • 2h 32m

Shakespeare’s rarely performed play about the feud between King John of England and the King of France is given new life in this modern adaptation from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2019, Eleanor Rhode's captivating production sees Rosie Sheehy cast in the title role. Production photography by Steve Tanner

Henry IV

Guidance 12+ • 2h 10m

Harriet Walter takes the lead in the second instalment of the Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Featuring a diverse company of women, this unique interpretation combines both parts of Shakespeare’s monumental history plays about King Henry IV and his son Prince Hal. The Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy began in 2012 with Julius Caesar and was followed by Henry IV in 2014 and The Tempest in 2016. Set in the world of a women’s prison, these critically acclaimed productions were captured live at Donmar Kings Cross and co-produced by the Donmar Warehouse and Illuminations. Contains strong language, mild violence and references to drugs

Henry IV, Part 1

2h 48m

The second part of his history tetralogy, Shakespeare’s tale of power and politics is brought to life in this martial production from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, the production transferred to the Barbican, London, as part of ‘King and Country: Shakespeare's Great Cycle of Kings’, to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death."

Henry IV, Part 2

2h 48m

The third part of his history tetralogy, Shakespeare’s tale of power and politics is brought to life in this martial production from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Captured live in Stratford-upon-Avon, the production transferred to the Barbican, London, as part of ‘King and Country: Shakespeare's Great Cycle of Kings’, to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.