With the world being a dark, scary and overwhelming place at the moment, sometimes, you don’t want to watch anything too drama or emotional heavy. So, why not give Cross Stitch Theatre’s ‘Henry V Take 2’ a try? Don’t fret, yes this is Shakespeare…but definitely not in the way you’re thinking. And much to your joy or dismay, depending on your point of view…this show was not immersive.
This is a show you can view – for free – on Youtube, which follows an amateur dramatic theatre company attempting to re-imagine their production of Henry V so it can be shown online as opposed to in person.
Prior to throwing you headfirst into the rehearsals for the show, you get some context as you’re introduced to characters, the show initially being cancelled, before then re-imagined. Of course, putting a show together in 3 days is no easy feat…let alone a show on Zoom…so naturally, a few hiccups do occur along the way. Inspired by Mischief Theatre (the brains behind The Play That Goes Wrong), Cross-Stitch Theatre’s show did the one thing I certainly needed right now, and I’m sure many others too: it brought me an evening of joy and made me laugh.
The show cleverly combines a cast of actors, but at the start there is also some use of social media, such as WhatsApp to tell parts of the story. This added use of technology is not something I’ve seen used too much, except in Cross Stitch Theatre’s last show (Much Ado About Nothing), so I actually found the use of this really interesting and original.
Something I found really funny about this show, was the realistic humour of the characters. As with any company, and putting on any show, there will be the stress of getting a show ready to be put on, there will be personality clashes, there will be cast members getting frustrated at each other. It is this natural humour that makes me laugh so much, because it is so realistic, and things we have all experienced for ourselves from time to time.
In keeping with the theme of realistic humour…the show has also added in the complications we have all experienced as we have learnt how to use Zoom as we go…something I still haven’t mastered! The group explore being able to change your Zoom background instead of paying attention and concentrating on what they’re supposed to be, distracting fellow cast members when someone else is pouring their heart and soul into a monologue at the same time…and the age old issue, of people freezing when it is really quite inconvenient.
In particular, I found it really funny to watch the group decide whether you look out to a virtual audience or directly into a camera, as well as trying to figure out how to navigate stage directions when everyone is in different positions on their own screens, and passing each other props, but of course, all virtually!
The show is over the top. But you can’t help but love it. At times the acting is so over the top, it’s somewhat ridiculous. Yes, sometimes, to an extent you do need to overact…but you’d think there is a limit. But, this troupe crosses that limit and it is highly amusing when they do. Similarly to this, when you’re limited to doing a show on Zoom…that requires a bit more creativity and thinking outside the box when it comes to use of props and costumes, and our chaotic cast have to just make the most of what is available in their own homes…yes in any show you need to suspend disbelief and use your own imagination. However, again, there is a limit. Which of course is crossed. It is somewhat difficult to take someone seriously when they are attempting to emotively recite Shakespeare lines…in a santa hat. But of course, the intention is to make people laugh, and make me laugh it did, to say the least!
I do just want to draw attention to a few more parts of the show, before I leave you to go and enjoy it for yourself.
I found a great deal of amusement that no matter how many times Stephen Lineweaver, as portrayed by Edward Cartwright, is told to hold off…he still fires away with the endless stream of facts and historical context during the process. More often than not, when it is really not a convenient time. And this is not just something that happens once or twice…it is a recurring thing to happen throughout the show. As irritating as it must be to have consistent interruptions of a history lesson at the drop of a hat, I can’t get irritated by this! The enthusiasm and passion Edward puts into Stephen, which you can practically feel through the screen as he educates his fellow cast-mates, means I just find it amusing, and at times, even a bit endearing!
Attempting to do an accent to the best of your ability, and sometimes having success, sometimes realising you sound dreadful, is something we can all relate to I am sure. Alexandra Rawlings, as played by Monica Nash, battles with her Welsh accent that despite her valiant attempts, comically does not stick to Welsh. Similarly, Amelia Stephenson as Tilly Armstrong, valiantly attempts a French accent, which is very far from authentic, which of course is the whole fun of it, but Amelia is so eager in her role, it just adds yet more comedy.
Okay, one last thing to talk about. Anyone who has ever done anything to do with dramatic arts, knows there is someone who is always more than willing to offer their two pence to try and help. Nick Bainbridge, portrayed by James Peters, and takes this stereotypical unhelpful character….and heightens it. Despite him trying to help every step of the way and in every way he can, more often than not, his help ends up being more of a hindrance, making it rather entertaining to watch Nick interact with his fellow cast-mates as he never seems to run out of suggestions, but as time goes on, everyone else seems to slowly be running out of patience!
I could sit here and write every single thing I loved, talk about specific parts of the show I loved, but that would be near enough the entire show, and if I give a run down of the show in its entirety, there would be no point in you going to watch it for yourself, would there?
Despite the hilarity, the ridiculousness, the chaos of this process from start to finish…I couldn’t help but love everyone putting everything they have into the show and trying their absolute best the whole time. It was heartwarming to watch everyone not falter, but rather keep going, determined that their viewers want a show, and a show they will get. No matter what.
Watching everyone have so much fun – be that in the show or out of it, maybe even both, was something I personally found quite moving. I also wish to add – Beth Atkinson has both written and directed this show; whilst Beth wrote two shows as an undergraduate, this is the first show she has written professionally, and the second she has directed, after Cross-Stitch’s Much Ado About Nothing. And to say the least, Henry V Take 2 was a joy to watch and made my heart so very happy. It just goes to show, you really cannot stop people who want to create from doing just that. Even now, creativity and the arts is continuing to persist. Theatre outside and in person may have stopped, but people are still continuing to find ways to make shows happen and to make people smile, even in these dark times.
I’ve said before, I love Shakespeare…but at times like this – it’s a bit emotional heavy. So this is the the light comedy relief I needed so much, and that Cross Stitch Theatre did a fantastic job at providing. Who ever said Shakespeare had to be boring?
If you wish to watch this show, you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI374ZYU18g&t=3870s
And whilst the show is free, if you enjoy it, or wish to show your support to Cross Stitch Theatre, you can consider donating however little or much you like to the company here: https://ko-fi.com/cross_stitchtheatre
One Show at a Time 