From the Royal Shakespeare Company – a modern, definitive edition of Shakespeare’s epic retelling of the Wars of the Roses. With an expert introduction by Sir Jonathan Bate, this unique edition presents a historical overview of Henry VI in performance, takes a detailed look at specific productions, and recommends film versions. Included in this edition are interviews with two leading directors and a designer–Edward Hal, Michael Boyd and Tom Piper providing an illuminating insight into the extraordinary variety of interpretations that are possible. This edition also includes an essay on Shakespeare’s career and Elizabethan theatre, and enables the reader to understand the play as it was originally intended – as living theatre to be enjoyed and performed.

Ideal for students, theatre-goers, actors and general readers, the RSC Shakespeare editions offer a fresh, accessible and contemporary approach to reading and rediscovering Shakespeare’s works for the twenty-first century.

* An exemplary introduction to Henry VIby award-winning scholar Sir Jonathan Bate.
* The play - with clear and authoritative explanatory notes on each page.
* A helpful scene-by-scene analysis and key facts about the play
* A rich exploration of approaches to staging the play.
* Photographs of classic or unusual performances illustrate different interpretations open to actors or directors.
* Interviews with two leading directors and a designer–Edward Hal, Michael Boyd and Tom Piper.
* An introduction to Shakespeare's career and the Elizabethan theatre.
* A key facts 'box' summarizing the plot, major roles, language and sources.
* A clear, single-column page design.
* Recommendations for further reading on key critical approaches and the play in performance, along with recommended viewing