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Chronologically this is the second in Shakespeare’s great cycle of history plays covering the reigns of the
Kings of England from Richard II through to Richard III and the accession of Queen Elizabeth I’s grandfather,
Henry VII. It deals with the rebellion against King Henry by Hotspur, Northumberland and Worcester, culminating
in the battle of Shrewsbury where the rebels are defeated. It also deals with the King’s uneasy relationship
with his eldest son, Prince Hal (later King Henry V), who spends all his time drinking in taverns with a
disreputable collection of rogues led by the fat and irrepressible Sir John Falstaff.
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I designed the costumes for this production, which was directed by somebody else. It was set firmly in the period
in which the events took place, and colour was used in the costumes to try to differentiate between the different
groups and factions. King Henry and his supporters wore costumes which were predominantly red, while the rebels
were mainly dressed in green. The tavern characters were dressed in russets, browns and oranges - warm colours to
reflect the warmth of that world in contrast to the cold and often bloody world of court and politics.
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