Parents of pupils in Year 7 & 8 may have been bemused last summer to overhear their sons muttering about a ‘puke-stocking’, ‘a dried Neat’s tongue’ or a ‘vile standing tuck’. Fortunately, late sixteenth century insults were not the latest retro thing to trend on social media. Instead, NCS pupils were rehearsing hard for their performances of Henry IV, Part 1, which took place in November in the beautiful candlelit setting of New College Chapel. Centre stage was a striking throne crafted specially for these performances by Dave Bustin. 

The play is one of the best examples of Shakespeare’s ‘universal’ appeal. The politiquing of King Henry and his advisers and the conspiracy of the Percies and their allies are counterpoised with the ribaldry of Prince Hal, Falstaff and company at the Boar’s Head Tavern. In this play, there is a role for everyone. This is a very good thing because, at NCS, we believe drama should be inclusive. The original text is carefully abridged and altered to ensure that every boy in the cohort gets a role tailored for them: be it one with a long soliloquy, a comedic role, a villainous role, or a role with a sword fight. They then perform them in amazing medieval costumes, prepared by Elizabeth Hess and Emma Krebs. Although purists may quibble at cuts and conflations, we believe it is worth it so that every pupil can relish their time in the limelight (or, in this case, candlelight).