The opening coronation of Coyle’s sour Henry is juxtaposed with a criminal orgy at the tavern of Clare Perkins’ forceful Mistress Quickly, where Jimoh’s Hal snorts amphetamines with his bum hanging out. Henry, Hal and their nemesis Hotspur (Samuel Edward-Cook), find their bodies, brains or morals poisoned by the demands of honour. Chivalry is a myth. Though Falstaff lies, steals and mutilates corpses, his gross self-interest seems appealing by contrast.
Player Kings at Noel Coward Theatre review: Ian McKellen’s Falstaff is a remarkable feat of skill and swagger
