Shakespeare meets the London riots.
That's the inspiration behind Bell Shakespeare's reproduction of its 1998 version of Henry 4.
And while fat, boastful and cowardly are hardly words you'd choose to describe co-artistic director John Bell, he does one hell of a job playing one of The Bard's finest comic creations - Falstaff.
"The Lord of misrule, the life of the party, the corruptor of youth, Falstaff has a gargantuan capacity for enjoying life and a rather pathetic naivete," says the 72-year-old stage legend.
Set in the present day with an Aussie flavour, the story follows the strained relationship between rebellious son Hal (Matthew Moore) and his autocratic, domineering father King Henry 4 (David Whitney).
Intertwining with that storyline is a London riot-like revolt being plotted against the throne by a dissatisfied power bloc.
"We were looking for something that suggested the anarchy and the civil war aspect of the play and those London riots took everyone by surprise," Bell said.
"No one knew why it happened or where it came from or what the rage was that was driving them and this play is much the same - there is the constant threat of riot and anarchy and war."
Despite the play staying honest to the original Shakespearean script, Bell urged audiences not to be put off by the language or historical aspects of the 400-year-old-plus masterpiece.
"The language in this play is very accessible and comprehensible," he said.
"It's not really a history play, it's about family and conflict and comical situations."
Bell Shakespeare's production of Henry IV merges the traditionally separate parts one and two of the play.
Moore, who plays the rebellious Hal, said he found it extremely satisfying as an actor to perform both plays in one evening.
"You get the full journey," he said.
"You get to play him from a young guy who is completely off the rails wanting to get his act together, ultimately get it together, and become King Henry V, one of the most iconic leaders in history."
Co-directed by Damien Ryan, Shakespeare's Henry 4 opens in Canberra on Tuesday, before moving to Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.
