Bold new take on Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 1 comes to the stage in Lancaster

aired; May 19, 2026 Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation. A new production of Henry IV, Part 1 is bringing a fresh perspective to one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. Director Dr. Justin Hopkins and actress Elizabeth Pattey join The Spark to discuss the upcoming production and a casting choice that is drawing attention: Pattey will portray Falstaff, one of Shakespeare’s most iconic male characters. The role is rarely performed by a woman, making the production a bold reinterp...