Henry Iv, Part 2

In the aftermath of Shrewsbury, the ageing King Henry IV is wracked by illness and guilt while rebellion still smoulders in the north. Prince Hal continues his double life with Falstaff, who recruits soldiers, cons country justices, and dreams of unlimited power when his friend becomes king. But when Henry IV dies and Hal ascends the throne as Henry V, his devastating rejection of Falstaff signals the end of an era. Shakespeare's bittersweet sequel meditates on time, mortality, and the cost of kingship.