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:

10 November 2011

“Denmark's a prison” says Hamlet and Ian Rickson’s intriguing production echoes his thoughts, except that Elsinore is now a secure psychiatric unit, where even the audience are scowled at by unsmiling wardens.

So after the brouhaha over the RSC's Marat/Sade, we’re plunged straight away into another production set within the confines of an institution with its portrayal of mental instability and family breakdown.

Of course, it's Michael Sheen's Hamlet that makes this the hottest ticket in town and he doesn't disappoint. This is a deeply troubled Prince, acting out his own father's ghost. It’s not a new idea, Jonathan Pryce did the same at the RSC, but Sheen is not possessed by his father’s spirit, he takes on another persona.

But then that is what Sheen does throughout the full three and half hours, effortlessly switching from moments of lucidity to wild-eyed lunacy. In his fevered state, "The ...

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Latest User Review

Paul Wallis - 14 January 2012:

The idea of setting Hamlet im what seems like a hospital/prison is a clever one. Walking in the audience through corridors which make you feel like you're truly entering such a place is inspired and draws you in before a word is spoken. Perhaps this suggests they are hospitalised because they are all mad and as the play evolves, this is quite possible to believe. Michael Sheen is excellent with his controlled anger and madness and there is a good ensemble around him. The staging is stunning, particularly the final scenes and I liked some of the clever use of actors, such as Ophelia and Polonius re-appearing as Laerteas dies. A thoughtful, intelligent production. ...

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