Dramatization

Henry IV Part One became such a hit in its own time that Shakespeare wrote a sequel — and it’s easy to see why. The play balances court intrigue with tavern mischief, fierce rebellion with coming-of-age uncertainty, and introduces audiences to the endlessly entertaining Falstaff. These dramatizations bring out the political tension, the humor of Eastcheap, Hotspur’s blazing intensity, and Prince Hal’s struggle to choose who he wants to be. Expect full-cast performances that capture both the history and the heart of this pivotal moment in the Henriad.

There are fewer recordings than expected — but we hunted down every solid one available.

Henry IV: Part 1 & Part 2 cover

Henry IV: Part 1 & Part 2

Runtime: 6h 3m
Narrator: Tim Dehn, Blaise Doran, Rory Barnett, De…
Henry IV (Part One) (ARKANGEL) cover

Henry IV (Part One) (ARKANGEL)

Runtime: 2h 46m
Narrator: Richard Griffiths, a full cast, Jamie Gl…
Henry IV (Part One) cover

Henry IV (Part One)

Runtime: 2h 36m
Henry IV (Part One) (Caedmon) cover

Henry IV (Part One) (Caedmon)

Runtime: 2h 38m
Narrator: Harry Andrews, Pamela Brown…
King Henry IV (Part One): The Shadow of Succession cover

King Henry IV (Part One): The Shadow of Successi…

Runtime: 1h 58m
Narrator: Raul Esparza, William Brown, Tony Dobrow…
Henry IV (Part One) (BBC Radio) cover

Henry IV (Part One) (BBC Radio)

Runtime: 2h 17m
Narrator: Julian Glover, Jamie Glover, Full Cast…

Deep Dives

The classic analysis of Falstaff by Harold Bloom is the sole Deep Dive here…

Falstaff: Give Me Life cover

Falstaff: Give Me Life

Runtime: 3h 55m
Narrator: Simon Vance