Hamlet

Synopsis

Written between 1599 and 1601. The play, set in Denmark, recounts how Prince Hamlet exacts revenge on his uncle Claudius, who has murdered Hamlet's father, the King, and then taken the throne and married Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. The play vividly charts the course of real and feigned madness - from overwhelming grief to seething rage - and explores themes of treachery, revenge, incest, and moral corruption.

Our Review:

9 July 2012

The mood in the Bodleian Quadrangle on Monday evening was one of damp optimism. A sizeable crowd of tourists and locals gathered to see the Globe’s touring company’s latest offering, determined not to let the weather cheat them of an enjoyable evening. Other than a little light drizzle in the first half, the clouds mostly behaved themselves, and the play did not disappoint.

A Hamlet tends to stand or fall on the quality of its lead actor, and the Globe have found a gem in Michael Benz. He is a boyish and likeable Danish prince, adeptly exploring the full emotional range of the character – from the depths of melancholy to youthful delight at being reunited with old friends to a bitter vengefulness – without ever lapsing into self-indulgence.

There are no weak links in the rest of the cast, either. This is true ensemble playing: like most small touring productions, Hamlet features numerous doublings as a cast of eight take on over two doz...

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