I watched this entire cycle of seven plays at the Old Vic in London in February 1989 over one weekend - the same production was subsequently filmed and released as VHS video tapes in 1990 which would be where the TV series came from - and the fact that I am writing this review 24 years later is testament to the almost overwhelming nature of the experience, a truly, truly wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime production of these plays by a very experienced team. The cycle begins with Richard II, followed by Henry IV part 1, Henry IV part 2, Henry V, Henry VI (Lancaster), Henry VI (York) (the three original parts of Henry VI were adapted into these two plays) and finally Richard III. If you are serious about Shakespeare performance you will appreciate them, if you can get hold of them. And if you do, get in some ready meals and set aside a weekend.

A wonderful adaptation of Shakespeare's greatest history plays. I saw this back in 1992, broadcast on Finnish TV. As it was one of the few non American TV shows broadcast in English, it caught my attention, and I was hooked. In my opinion, Pennington's portrayal of Henry V was the high point of the entire show. When Pennington recites King Henry's famous speech before the walls of Harfleur standing on a barricade of sandbags waving an M-16, I felt shivers go down my spine. Although I personally have never had a problem with a filmed stage play, others may. However, if you love Shakespeare, as I do, see it, you will not regret it. A+