I've just come across the programme of the play "The Hollow Crown", which I attended a year ago (yes, I know I haven't tidied up for a while!). The play is "an entertainment by and about the kings and queens of England. Music, poetry, speeches, letters and other writings from the chronicles, from plays, and in the monarchs' own words - also music concerning them and by them."

Incidentally, the cast comprised Derek Jacobi, Diana Rigg, Donald Sinden and Ian Richardson - a dream cast! Here's an excerpt from the play.

 

"A Partial, Prejudiced and Ignorant Historian" - Jane Austen, aged 15 - on Henry IV.

 

"Henry the 4th ascended the throne of England, much to his own satisfaction, in the year 1399, after having prevailed on his cousin and predecessor Richard the 2nd  to resign it to him and to retire for the rest of his life to Pomfret Castle, where he happened to be murdered. It is to be supposed that Henry was married, since he certainly had four sons, but it is not in my power to inform the reader who was his wife. Be this as it may, he did not live forever, but falling ill, his son the Prince of Wales came and took away the crown; whereupon the King made a long speech, for which I must refer the Reader to Shakespeare's Plays, and the Prince made a longer still. Things thus being settled between them, the King died and was succeeded by his son Henry."

 

I guess this shows we all have to start somewhere - even Jane Austen!

 

Lady Grace