Words by Angela Cole

Having watched the Changeling Theatre’s summer productions for the past seven years, I always felt like it was the cheeky humour which was the biggest highlight.

But on Friday (June 21), watching Shakespeare’s Henry V performed on opening night at Boughton Monchelsea Place, it was the most intense and serious play I’d seen from the group so far – and I was hooked.

The 23rd year of the Maidstone-based group’s summer tour had a fresh cast but kept a quite traditional view of the play. It was a ‘no frills’ Changeling production – or, at least, as much no frills as Artistic Director Rob Forknall can manage!

We were blessed with fabulous weather, and a glorious natural backdrop at Boughton Monchelsea Place, generously made available each year for the start and finish of the tour by owners Marice and Dominic Kendrick.

The text centred on Henry V and it was a heavy load for Giles Malcolm, who played the title role, to carry in his first professional production since graduating from LAMDA and joining Changeling this year under their Rookie scheme.

But there was never a moment throughout when you questioned his ability to handle it. He was as at ease showing Henry’s inner turmoil at asking his people to fight for him, as he was at tenderly wooing the Princess of France.

Towards the end, for me it felt like he wasn’t speaking lines, but as though the speech was his, his thoughts and feelings, and he was Henry V – it was truly gripping. Watch this space – we will surely see him moving on to bigger things when this summer tour’s over.

The cast were exuberant and energetic, and their ability to turn their hands to a variety of characters and accents was impressively versatile. It’s hard to pick out members of the cast for any special mention, as they were all at the top of their game. But if pushed, I’d highlight Lily Carr, Suzy Kohane and Johnny Allison for their flexibility.

The cast also brought the audience with them, at times as asides from the action, and at other times, just for fun – we had a soldier take a sip or our wine! It all adds to the fabulously relaxed atmosphere of the evening and demonstrates how chilled everyone is because they’re so good at what they do.

Opening night of the tour has a special atmosphere and there’s a sense of anticipation in the air of the long summer, and its many performances, to come. If this night was anything to go by, it’ll be a cracking summer.

The tour, which also features Noel Coward’s Present Laughter, takes in 24 venues across Kent and the South East. You can book tickets online here.

The tour also includes two new Shepherd Neame pubs for 2024 – the New Flying Horse in Wye and the Royal Albion Hotel in Broadstairs.