Shamlet

Synopsis

A group of actors assemble near Stratford to mount a production of Hamlet, not knowing it's a front for the producer's plans, inspired by Shakespeare's ghost, to rob the poet's grave in search of lost plays.

Our Review:

1 September 2006

There is a terrible kind of evening in the theatre that, in its perverse, old-fashioned way, can be curiously compelling, and Andrew Doyle’s Shamlet falls with a merry thud into this benighted category.

The sole salvation of James Robert Carson’s production -- about a bunch of thespian losers putting on a weird version of Hamlet on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon while their producer connives with Shakespeare’s ghost to raid the bard’s tomb in Holy Trinity -- is that it is directed with notable efficiency and acted to the hilt by a game and determined cast.

The producer, Marcus (Tom Walker), is hoping to find Shakespeare’s three lost plays: Cardenio, Loves’ Labour’s Won and the even more obscure Parable of Gerald, the Fat French Shepherd. To this ridiculous end, he has secured lodgings and a performance venue with a fat Lithuanian landlady (Maxine Howe) who exudes threatening gypsy oddness.

His company asse...

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Latest User Review

80.68.42.130) - 5 September 2006:

A delighful farce, following a dysfunctional group of theatre types in their efforts to host a classic play, with hilarious consequences. Not to be taken too seriously. The acting was strong from teh lead roles with great support from the younger cast members. Well written, with upfront jokes and humour (some may not be suitable for the very young). I was singing the song on the way home on the tube! A fun unpretentious night out!...

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