Falstaff or "The True and Valiant deeds of Sir John Fastolf"

The Ellen Terry Barn Theatre present Falstaff with Mike Stoneham in the title role.  The show is an adaptation of the acclaimed novel by Robert Nye and has received universal praise such as:
“Fast, flatulent, fabulous. It was an absolute riot and we loved it.”
“Mike Stoneham inhabits the soul and body of Falstaff.  It’s a joy to watch.”
“Altogether spellbinding – a fabulous watch”
“A brilliant evening out – utterly captivating – an extraordinary performance”
“Thrilling and captivating storytelling from the start”

Considered by many to be one of Shakespeare's finest comic creations, Falstaff has been laughed at and loved by generations as the fat, vain, boastful knight who appears in Henry IV, Part 1, Henry IV, Part 2, and The Merry Wives of Windsor and mentioned but not seen in Henry V.  But did Shakespeare base his character on the real-life medieval knight, Sir John Fastolf?
 
Fastolf fought in the battle of Patay, 1429, a disastrous battle for the English where his actions earned him a reputation (rightly or wrongly) for cowardice. As a professional soldier, he profited greatly from the French wars, acquiring significant amounts of French property and revenues. After his death in 1459 his fortune eventually passed to Magdalen College, Oxford, where there is now the Fastolf society, remembering him as a major benefactor.
 
In his 1976 novel Falstaff, Robert Nye cleverly combined the Shakespearian Falstaff that we all know with elements of Sir John Fastolf (and a smidgen of artistic licence) to create a Falstaff that we only thought we knew....

Tickets £15

Show Preview

🎭 Show: FALSTAFF
🗓️ Date: Friday 17th April 2026
⏰ Start: 7:45pm
🎭 (Act 1: 40 mins)
🍷 (Interval: 20 mins)
🎭 (Act 2: 40 mins)
⏰ Est. end: 9:35pm