Henry lV Part l
The Alhambra

SITTING through one of Shakespeare's lesser-known history plays may not sound particularly appealing at face value, but in the hands of a world class company it's a fabulous theatrical experience.

Last night's first instalment of the Royal Shakespeare Company's Henry IV saga was a lively, in-your-face affair that whetted the appetite for Part II.

The epic, comic and thrilling production of Henry IV Part I (Part II is on tonight) is largely set in a bawdy tavern, where Prince Hal and Sir John Falstaff are lost in a boozy, hedonistic haze as the King's reign faces growing opposition, plunging the nation into turmoil.

Director Gregory Doran draws upon the pub culture of Shakespeare's own time to bring a 'contemporary' element to the play, set centuries earlier, creating a compelling contrast between riotous tavern scenes and the rising tension of the royal court.

What a treat to see Sir Antony Sher as Falstaff, lighting up the stage as he staggered about, fat and bearded, spewing drunken theories. This was a great physical performance with nice comic touches, not least when he toppled over on the battlefield, wriggling hopelessly on his back like a dying fly.

A cracking performance too from Alex Hassell as the playboy prince, Hal, who gradually evolves from a louche party boy to a great monarch and battle leader. Knowing what is to come, when Hal faces up to the responsibilities of the throne, his earlier scenes with Falstaff are particularly poignant.

A bewitching Trevor White was wild-eyed and obsessive as Harry 'Hotspur' Percy, leader of the rebellion against the throne, and Jasper Britton gave a haunting performance as Henry, a king who has to watch his back.

This is a thrilling whirlwind of a production – with a cinematic-style sword fight set to a dramatic musical score – and its broad, bawdy appeal will reach people who may not think that they get Shakespeare.

And since Part II is the black mirror of Part I, there will be both purists and newcomers back for more tonight. Runs until Saturday.