Henry V enjoyed a renaissance during the Second World War, regardless of the fact that the French were now allies rather than Britain's traditional foe. Robert Atkins directed the production, which was performed whilst the Battle of Britain was being fought in the skies above in the summer of 1941. The war raging in Europe ensured there were very few young males to take on a role such as King Henry. Patrick Kinsella, a young Irish actor at the beginning of his career, was cast alongside Claire Luce, an American who had a bright career having acted alongside Fred Astaire and Humphrey Bogart. The play was performed without scenery and with limited costuming.