Henry I of England

When William the Conqueror announced his successor to the thrones of Normandy and England, his youngest son Henry got nothing. With no-one but a loyal priest and clever sister to back him, he was caught like a pawn between two older brothers in their fight for power. But Henry was bright and determined, and fate seemed to be on his side. As power surged into his hands, love beckoned and the world fell at his feet, could he keep a firm grip on his own integrity?

Much-loved theatre company Reading Between the Lines, in this their fifth year, brought you a modern history play of contemporary relevance, about the medieval King who founded Reading Abbey. With a team of some of the most ‘revolutionary and ambitious’ (The Stage) theatre makers in the country, RBL creates theatre of national significance.

Beth Flintoff’s Henry I of England was directed by long-time RBL collaborator, Hal Chambers and designed by Rosanna Vize, whose recent credits include Kneehigh and The Gate. Classical composer Rosalind Steele (RBL’s Twelfth Night) collaborated with DJ/Producer Benjamin Hudson (Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet) in order to create a truly spine-tingling original score. Gareth Taylor created the stunning movement for the play (Curious Directive) and Oliver Welsh designed the lighting (Dragons Den and the London 2012 Olympics). The experienced acting company included Jack Beale (Kneehigh, Old Vic), Saskia Portway (Bristol Old Vic, National Theatre) and Toby W Davies (West End, co-Artistic Director of RBL).

A sample of the original soundtrack to Henry I of England, written by Rosalind Steele and Benjamin Hudson. Produced by Benjamin Hudson.