perspectives: 4MBS Henry IV: Parts 1&2 Combined
Picture: Falstaff holding forth on the tavern ‘stage’ (Image credit: Creative Futures Photography)
Congratulations to all involved in putting on the highly successful 2026 4MBS Shakespeare Festival production (Laurene Cooper-Fox, Production Manager). Henry IV (Parts 1&2 Combined) tells the story of the monarch, depicting rebellion during his early 1400s reign, and the transformation of Prince Hal (Davis Dingle) from a fun-loving young man into the future, majestic, Henry V. The original plays feature more than 80 characters, here edited back for length and performed in the 4MBS/Tama Matheson production by just 14 actors.
Combining or editing back any of Shakespeare’s works is not a task for the faint-hearted, but Tama Matheson (Director, Falstaff, Northumberland) demonstrates that this is a ‘walk in the park.’ Or, perhaps, a celebration in the park is a more appropriate description, as this latest show marked the 20th anniversary of the 4MBS Shakespeare Festival. Matheson presented the plays as a two-hour performance that drew on our imaginings of seeing the originals in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre: a troupe of players, a set design that allows for direct engagement with the audience, and a few asides to keep the energy levels high.
The set design must be one of the best uses of the Roma Street Parklands Amphitheatre stage, in an impressive juxtaposition of moments of ‘diplomacy’ and war against the clownish behaviour of the lecherous, gluttonous, and greedy Falstaff (Stefan Cooper-Fox, Set Design & Build). The intrigues, lives and deaths of the kings and their supporters almost exclusively remain on the higher stage, whereas the taverns and activities of the more ‘common’ people take place at the lower level, where the troupe of 14 ‘players’ engage directly with the audience.
Picture: A strong local cast, alongside the now UK-based Matheson. Credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Picture: Down in the tavern (Image credit: Creative Futures Photography).
Picture: Falstaff’s ‘crown’. Credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Picture: The transformation of Prince Hal, as Henry V (Image credit: Creative Futures Photography).
Sadly Henry IV (Parts 1&2 Combined) only ran for two performances, so I can’t recommend you try to see it. Which is a pity, as it was wonderful to see the way in with the director cleverly incorporated the ‘front stage’ area to create more a sense of immediacy and connection with the audience. Impressive touches included the costuming, where each member of the cast wore stylish ‘pyjamas,’ and then put on their ‘dress up’ items onstage, in view of the audience, to help with their transformation into the different characters (excellent work by Xanthe Jones, Costume Designer, and Georgina Purdie, Costumes). And involving some of the younger members of the audience in the ‘stealing’ of money, and as members of the ‘army,’ were fabulous ideas—and may just lead to some young people deciding that the Shakespearian stage is in their future too!
Should Matheson respond to demands for an encore, I would love to have seen just a little more editing back of the text, as Henry IV Part 2 is probably not the best that Shakespeare produced—and an earlier interval would have been a good idea. But these are minor points. The cast deserved every moment of the rapturous applause, and congratulations again to the Director for a masterful production and entertaining Falstaff performance.
Picture: Shakespeare in the park Image Credit: Creative Futures Photography
Audience Information: The 20th 4MBS Shakespearean Festival included two performances of Henry IV: Parts 1&2 Combined (31 October-1 November), Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane CBD. The Roma Street Amphitheatre is a great space, and arriving early ensures a shady seat and the chance to enjoy pre-show ‘kids Macbeth,’ Prima Spada swordplay, and Shakespearean language talk. Tickets from $12 (full-time 18+ students) to $25 (adults, on the door)—and free for children under 18. 120 minutes plus a 20-minute interval. For more information visit https://www.4mbs.com.au/festivals-events/brisbane-shakespeare-festival/
Additional Credits: Sandro Colarelli (King Henry IV), Tom Yaxley (Hotspur/Shallow/Pistol), Kellie Lazarus (Sir Blunt/Mistress Quickly/Rumour/ Silence/Lady Northumberland), Matthew Filkins (Worcester/Warwick), Ben Adams (Poins/Douglas/Lord Bardolph), Colin W Smith (Westmoreland/Chief Justice), Sasha Janowicz (Bardolph/Glendower/Archbishop), Jake Maravilla (Mortimer/Vernon/Morton/Mowbray), Michael Hawkins (Lancaster/Peto/Sheriff), Emma Kidd (Lady Percy/Doll Tearsheet/Messenger), Nathan Habermas (Gower), and Megan Hind King Richard II). Creatives also include Megan Hind (Assistant Director), Nathan Habermas (2nd Assistant Director), Sophie Julian/Keya Maker/ Maya McRae (Stage Management), Aerlyn James (Set Team), and Corporate Events Australia (Lighting & Audio).
The photographer & reviewer attended the Sunday 1 November 2026 performance.