Full Casting Announced for Donmar's Female Henry IV

Full casting has now been announced for the Donmar Warehouse's upcoming all-female production of Henry IV which opens at the central London venue on 9 October 2014, following previews from 3 October, where it will run to 29 November 2014.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, this production will be the second instalment in a trilogy of all-female productions following on from her critically acclaimed production of 'Julius Caesar' in 2012.

Joining the previously announced cast which includes Harriet Walter as King Henry, Jade Anouka as Hotspur, Clare Dunne as Hal, and Ashley McGuire as Falstaff will be Elizabeth Chan, Jackie Clune, Shiloh Coke, Karen Dunbar, Cynthia Erivo, Zainab Hasan, Jennifer Joseph, Ann Ogbomo, Katie Robinson and Sharon Rooney.

The second play in Shakespeare's series of histories covering the reigns of Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V, Henry IV sees the Bard explore the consequences of actions, the role of princes and the realities of wielding power, travelling to the heart of family, duty and country.

As the King finds his crown under threat from both foreign and domestic enemies, the court prepares for war. Whilst his father is getting ready for inevitable conflict, the young Prince Hal can be found in the brothels and taverns of London with his friend, the notorious Falstaff. Hal is forced to face up to his responsibilities of crown and country and assume his royal position.

The creative team for the production features set design by Ellen Nabarro, costumes by Deborah Andrews, lighting by Neil Austin, music by Gary Yershon and movement by Ann Yee.

An extensive education programme around the production will culminate in the production taking up a week's residency at Mulberry School for Girls in Tower Hamlets, as well as a collaboration with Clean Break theatre company, who work with women whose lives have been affected by the criminal justice system.