32 replies to this topic

[heatherr]

Apparently, Michael Grandage has replaced Kenneth Branagh as Director of this production. Personally, I'm incredibly disappointed... I was particularly looking forward to witness Branagh's interpretation and so on.

[Laughingmonsta]

I actually think this shouldnt be allowed, how can soemone sign on the dotted line to direct a show and then pull out beacuse he has filming commitments on someything he has only just signed for! I for one would be very angry!

[seanaydon]

NO!!! whats the reason??

[Boob]

See the main Whatsonstage.com news headlines for details.

I do find the circumstances a little bizarre, but I'm more inclined to see this now that Grandage is at the helm.  Are there any tickets left?

[Latecomer]

I think it is great news....having seen Othello last year I think this will now be great!

[Jenny_tyr]

After seeing Grandage's Othello, my opinion is the opposite of Latecomer's. Very disappointed to hear this, but I see that they're decent enough to allow you to return your tickets should you wish to do so, and I think I'll seriously consider that.

[Weez]

I feel I should be more upset than I am. I think it's too far away and I think too highly of Grandage to bother being disgruntled by it, and it's not like a Branagh-directed 'Hamlet' isn't readily available to anyone with a DVD player and a bit o' cash, even though it's not the one we had anticipations for.

[Jenny_tyr]

I was seriously underwhelmed by the Grandage-McGregor Othello, and bought my tickets for Hamlet mostly due to Branagh directing. I know that Law has more stage experience than McGregor, but it still seems like one of those celebrity things to me, and with Branagh bowing out I think I'll seriously rethink seeing this one.

[Jan Brock]

The film "Thor" - that sounds good, doesn't it ? So, having rehabilitated his reputation with the theatre community (critics included) with Ivanov, he now alienates them again. No Olivier Award for you now, Kenny old son.

People inconvenienced by this decision:

1) People who have bought tickets for the production as it was advertised
2) Jude Law - has spent a year discussing the role with Branagh who also persuaded him to do it - now he has to accept another director
3) Michael Grandage - has to postpone his NT debut which may impact his future career direction, and maybe had plans to direct his own Hamlet in the future with someone else
4) Nicholas Hytner who now has to reschedule the NT programme to accommodate this

People not inconvenienced by this decision

1) Kenneth Branagh
2) Marvel Comics