In 2004 he finally achieved a life-long ambition to play Sir John Falstaff , in Nicholas Hytner 's National Theatre production of Henry IV , Parts 1 and 2 , co-starring with Matthew Macfadyen as Prince Hal . In 2004 he finally achieved a life-long ambition to play Falstaff , in Nicholas Hytner 's National production of Henry IV , Parts 1 and 2 , co-starring with Matthew Macfadyen as Prince Hal .