ao link

Player Kings review

“Ian McKellen is an astonishingly fresh Falstaff”
Ian McKellen in Player Kings at Noël Coward Theatre, London. Photo: Manuel Harlan
Ian McKellen in Player Kings at Noël Coward Theatre, London. Photo: Manuel Harlan
Robert Icke directs Ian McKellen as Falstaff in this vivid and visceral version of Shakespeare’s Henry IV parts one and two

THIS IS NOT A PAYWALL

Serious about theatre?
Join over 100,000 theatremakers who rely on The Stage for trusted news, reviews, and insight.

 

🔓 Sign in below or create a free account to read 5 free articles.

 

Want to support independent theatre journalism? For a limited time, you can subscribe today and unlock:

 

🗞️ Unlimited access to award-winning theatre journalism

⭐ 1000+ reviews from across the UK

📧 Breaking news and daily newsletters

💡Insight and opinion from writers including Lyn Gardner & Amanda Parker

🎟️Discounts and early access to The Stage’s events

 

Remember Login

Your subscription helps ensure our journalism can continue

Invest in The Stage today with a subscription starting at just £7.99

The Stage

© Copyright Playbook Media Trading Company Limited 2026

Facebook
Instagram
X
Linked In
Pinterest
YouTube