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Hotspur summer: Players bring ‘Henry IV’ to Acton

Three additional performances of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part I” by The World’s A Stage Players are scheduled for this weekend.

Nicholas Meunier, as Henry “Hotspur” Percy strides across the outdoor stage during The World’s A Stage Players production of William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part I” on the Acton Free Public Library lawn on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Two more outdoor performances are scheduled for August 2 and 3 at the library. Ken McGagh/The Acton Bridge
Henry “Hotspur” Percy (Nicholas Meunier) on a mission. Photo: Ken McGagh/The Acton Bridge

The World’s A Stage Players brought William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part I,” directed by Mike Haddad, to the Acton Free Library lawn on July 26. In the history play, written in 1596-97, young Harry Percy, dubbed Hotspur, incites a rebellion against King Henry. An indoor performance at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center is scheduled for 7 p.m. on August 1; two more outdoor performances are scheduled for 5 p.m. on August 2 and 3 at the library. 

Photos: Ken McGagh/The Acton Bridge

A pair of friars catch the eye of the audience as they walk on the Acton Free Public Library sidewalk during The World’s A Stage Players production of William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part I” on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Two more outdoor performances are scheduled for August 2 and 3 at the library. Ken McGagh/The Acton Bridge
Friars catch the audience’s attention.
Alex Wersted, as Prince Hal, sleeps on a bench in the opening scene of The World’s A Stage Players production of William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part I” on the Acton Free Public Library lawn on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Ken McGagh/The Acton Bridge
Prince Hal (Alex Wersted) sleeps on a bench in the opening scene.
Hannah Clifford, as Peto does battle on the Acton Free Public Library lawn during The World’s A Stage Players production of William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part I” on on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Two more outdoor performances are scheduled for August 2 and 3 at the library. Ken McGagh/The Acton Bridge
Peto (Hannah Clifford) does battle.
Mike Haddad, as Sir John Falstaff, during The World’s A Stage Players production of William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part I” on the Acton Free Public Library lawn on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Haddad is also the show’s director. Ken McGagh/The Acton Bridge
Sir John Falstaff (Mike Haddad).
Nicholas Meunier, as Henry “Hotspur” Percy and Savanah Carlson as Lady Percy act in a scene from William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part I” on the Acton Free Public Library lawn on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Two more outdoor performances are scheduled for August 2 and 3 at the library. Ken McGagh/The Acton Bridge
Lady Percy (Savanah Carlson) seeks answers from Henry “Hotspur” Percy (Nicholas Meunier).
Mike Haddad, as Prince John of Lancaster and other Acton Players actors laugh during The World’s A Stage Players production of William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part I” on the Acton Free Public Library lawn on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Haddad is also the production’s director. Ken McGagh/The Acton Bridge
Sir John Falstaff (Mike Haddad) joins in the laughter.
A pair of sword-bearing Acton Players actors sneak up the sidewalk during The World’s A Stage Players production of William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part I” on the Acton Free Public Library lawn on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Ken McGagh/The Acton Bridge
Stealthy swordsmen move into position.
Julian Willard, right, as Sir Walter Blunt, and Ben Martin, as the Earl of Douglas engage in a sword fight during The World’s A Stage Players production of William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part I” on the Acton Free Public Library lawn on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Two more outdoor performances are scheduled for August 2 and 3 at the library. Ken McGagh/The Acton Bridge
Sir Walter Blunt (Julian Willard) and the Earl of Douglas (Ben Martin) test their mettle.
The audience rises for a standing ovation as The World’s A Stage Players actors take a curtain call after a production of William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part I” on the Acton Free Public Library lawn on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Two more outdoor performances are scheduled for August 2 and 3 at the library. Ken McGagh/The Acton Bridge
The audience rises for a standing ovation as The World’s A Stage Players actors take a curtain call.
The World’s A Stage Players salute the audience after their performance of William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part I” on the Acton Free Public Library lawn on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Two more outdoor performances are scheduled for August 2 and 3 at the library. Ken McGagh/The Acton Bridge
The World’s A Stage Players salute the audience after their performance.

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