Young King Henry wages war on France. But, tainted by his father's crimes, and with enemies among his own men, he must confront the difficult responsibilities of kingship. But even with the battles won, the war is not yet over - for to make safe his success, Henry must secure a marriage with the French princess, Catherine of Valois.

'At one and the same time the greatest of all works of English patriotism and a searing critique of warfare' Jonathan Bate

Young King Henry wages war on France. Tainted by his family's past crimes and with enemies among his own men, he must face the difficult responsibilities of kingship, unite his country and rouse his 'band of brothers' to battle at Agincourt. An heroic coming-of-age story and a work of stirring patriotic oratory, Henry V also has darker undercurrents that ultimately question the price of military victory.

Used and Recommended by the National Theatre

General Editor Stanley Wells
Edited by A. R. Humphreys
with an Introduction by Ann Kaegi