The Hollow Crown

LullyDully I saw David Warner as Hamlet! Thought it was wonderful and kept a collection of photos of him for years.

Such a good cast in this production. Anton Lesser seems to turn up in anything historical.

I have been looking forward to this and it didn't disappoint, with such a fine cast. Even DH, who is not a fan of the Bard, enjoyed it. More please!

Yes Charles of France who was Henry's grandfather, was intermittently insane, and among other things believed that his couriers were made of glass!! Charles left the crown of France to Henry V1th overiding his son the Dauphin, who understandably objected, and sparked the hundred years war.

Sorry, did I miss off a digit? Henry VIII I meant!

One suggestion is Catatonic Schizophrenia and Henry VI's grandfather, Charles VI of France, suffered from a similar mental illness.
Who knows after all this time. Suggestions of lead poisoning or syphilis are also plausible although Henry VI unlike VII, was not renowned for "playing away".

I've recorded it, to watch tonight when the Bafta awards are on TV. Did anyone see a BBC4 series, 'She Wolves', presented by Helen Castor, who wrote the book of the same title. Henry VI's queen, Margaret, was one of those 'she wolves' who had a hand in ruling England. She had to take up the reins when Henry lapsed into a 14 month catatonic state, missed the birth of his son, and only got to know about him when he was a toddler. I don't think it's known what caused Henry's condition.

Just aside. Saw Hamlet many years ago with David Warner on a school trip...Lovely, we were all smitten.

Fond memories of the 1963 RSC WotR trilogy when it came from Stratford to the Aldwych theatre. Last night's pretty good, but David Warner and Peggy Ashcroft outshone their young challengers as Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou.

Full details on good old Wikipedia.

It is useful if you know a bit if the historical background and names of characters. Helps with understanding all the nuances.

I found that with Agincourt and Henry V I studied that bit then watched Henry V so much better.

Yes I am enjoying it. We never studied the kings at school, despite good coverage of most of Shakespeare's plays. Neither have I seen them at the theatre. Just missed them somehow.

I will watch twice as that adds to my understanding.( I am finding it a wee bit distracting with all the actors who dominate the drama on telly.)

Looking forward to seeing it all. I love Shakespeare.

Oh no- I missed it

Loved it! What a useless King Henry VI was though, weakness and dithering were not qualities which led to success or stability in those days!

Yes I got as far as Joan and then tottered to bed. It was excellent and I have recorded it so have something to look forward to

Absolutely brilliant, had subtitles on which made it easier to follow!.

I think the excellent cast helped too.
Although Joan of Arc's accent was a bit off putting.