13th June - 22nd July 2023

Written by Beth Flintoff
Directed by Hal Chambers

When William the Conqueror dies, Henry, spare royal son, gets nothing. Only his beloved sister remains faithful as his brothers scramble for power and England suffers. But Henry’s position changes. Power surges into his hands, love beckons and the world falls at his feet. What will he have to do to hold the crown?

Henry I will be staged above the King’s body in Reading Abbey Ruins, founded “for my sins”.

The Telegraph - Top Five Shows of 2023
’Performed outdoors, Beth ­Flintoff’s play provided a hugely accomplished résumé of the life and times of William the ­Conqueror’s youngest son.’

The Spy in the Stalls - Best Regional Production of 2023

2016 Reviews:

“Henry I leads the charge to crown Reading as a cultural hotspot”
The Guardian

“Physical theatre at its finest… Wonderful”
★★★★★ 5 Stars
Get Reading

“Wives, mothers, sisters and daughters, and it is their story as much as the men’s… Mesmerising”
★★★★★ 5 Stars
AltReading

“Full of energy… high quality”
★★★★★ 5 Stars
The Whitley Pump

“A modern classic of our times… visionary”
★★★★★ 5 Stars
16Blue

Please note: this show contains scenes of a violent nature. Recommended for ages 12+.

Featured in The Guardian - click here

A new play of epic proportions created with the support of Arts Council England.

'I could write an essay of a review when it comes to this show, but one thing's for certain, this performance is something that I'll be talking about for a very long time.' 

***** Get Reading

'Flintoff is a hugely talented playwright, and in Henry she turns in another outstanding script, complete with some deft touches of humour and a brilliant capturing of the rhythms of everyday speech. ... Almost always intense, occasionally chilling, sometimes funny, this is a big, mesmerising play.' 

Alt Reading

Photos by Alex Brenner 2023

Writer: Beth Flintoff
Director: Hal Chambers
Associate Movement Director: Gareth Taylor
Designer: Sarah Jane Booth
Composers: Benjamin Hudson and Rosalind Steele
Fight Director: Dani Davies
Community Director: Gemma Colclough
Producer: Matt Linley
Sound Design: Gilbert Lake
Lighting Design: Michael Brenkley
Costume Supervisor: Evelien Coleman
Company Stage Manager: Rebecca Welburn
Casting Director: Anji Carroll
Stage Manager on Book: Emily Foster
Assistant Stage Manager: Elise Frost
Wardrobe Assistant and Supervisor: Hannah Pearson
Assistant Fight Director: Emma Boyd
Production Manager: Netty Miles
Front of House Manager: Emma Lawrence
Bar & Venue Manager: Ed Nash
Poster Design: Rebecca Pitt

CAST: Anjelica Serra, Amy Conachan, Gabrielle Sheppard, Georgie Fellows, Joseph Black, Greg Barnett, Mark Middleton, Toby W Davies.