Globe stages epic Henry VI play on the site of bloody clash in 15th century

 
Poignant performance: Londoner Graham Butler as King Henry VI
Gary Calton
Louise Jury23 August 2013

More than five centuries ago, the cries of knights and the clang of clashing swords resounded through the fields of Barnet, as two power-hungry clans fought for the Crown in the War of the Roses.

Tomorrow, once again, battle will be joined at the very same spot, as Shakespeare’s epic Henry VI is staged there in front of hundreds of people.

The trilogy, lasting six hours, will be performed at Monken Hadley Common.

The 1471 Battle of Barnet — which takes place in the third instalment of the plays — was one of the most decisive engagements of the war.

After a grim fight staged in thick fog, the Lancastrian forces of Henry VI were defeated by the Yorkists, paving the way for Edward IV to take the throne.

Tomorrow will be the final outdoor performance of four staged by Shakespeare’s Globe at battle sites mentioned in the plays. The other three were St Albans, Towton in Yorkshire, and Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire.

Graham Butler, 27, of Herne Hill, who plays Henry VI, said: “We were all anticipating it being quite moving at the battlefields, but I don’t think any of us understood just how poignant it would be.”

The first performance at Towton — where 28,000 soldiers are said to have died and remain underfoot — was where the king recites his speech “Here on this molehill will I sit me down.”

Butler said: “There was something very magical. I know he never said those words but suddenly it just came into focus. These are real people.”

Tomorrow’s performance will be streamed live by The Space digital arts service. Edited films will be available online afterwards while the trilogy can also be seen at the Globe next month.For tickets to the play and more information visit shakespearesglobe.com

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