Henry V: film screening with live orchestral accompaniment

Words by William Shakespeare, acting and direction by Laurence Olivier and music by William Walton: Henry V is recognised as one of the greatest works of art in cinema history.

Cry ‘God for Harry, England, and St George’! In 1944, as the armed forces prepared for an invasion of Normandy, the morale of British civilians and military personnel alike were badly in need of a boost. Shakespeare’s Henry V, with its rousing speeches exhorting the troops ‘once more into the breach, dear friends, once more’, was perfect patriotic material. And so the British government supported the making of this groundbreaking film, in glorious Technicolour.

William Walton’s score, stirring, sparkling and wistful by turns, played a huge part in the film’s success. Hear it performed live by the Philharmonia Orchestra in this one-off screening, a multisensory feast for film buffs in search of a tick on the bucket list, Shakespeare fans, British music aficionados and newcomers all.