Hamlet
We’re all probably familiar with some everyday sayings, such as, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be”, “There’s method in my madness”, or “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark”, but do you really know the depths and relevance of the story of Hamlet on a greater scale?
Hamlet’s Mother is recently widowed and has married his Uncle, the new King, maintaining her title as Queen. As Hamlet’s grief unravels a web of deceit and pulls at the consciences of those involved, he is also seeing the ghost of his dead Father who cries Murder and in response Hamlet hatches a plan, feigns madness, and seeks his revenge.
The themes of a corrupt authority and abuse of powers are ever present today, if not more than they were when this was originally written and performed, and clear parallels with the setting and current affairs are evident.
Luke Thallon makes his RSC Debut in the title role, and it is clear to see why he has been tipped as a talent to look out for. His performance of Hamlet’s “madness” is chilling, and he delivers Shakespeare’s text with an almost slothful manner, you can virtually see his character joining the dots in his mind as he speaks.
Elliot Levey as Polonius is delightful to watch, if in a more playful characterisation than most of the additional characters. It’s an engaging portrayal.
Directed by Rupert Goold, with Es Devlin’s Set Design, we are taken back to 1912 and on board a ship that is hitting increasingly stormy seas, both physically and metaphorically. The choreographed movements and the stage mechanics increasing in line with the unpredictability of the climate and the portrayal of Hamlet’s revenge.
Kev McCurdy’s Fight Direction is fast paced, yet remarkably detailed and has the audience on the edge of their seats as the angle of the stage increases to frightening levels.
This is yet again another remarkable production from The RSC and one that will delight audiences throughout.
A captivating production.
This show was reviewed on the 18th February 2025 at The RSC, Stratford upon Avon where it runs until the 29th March 2025. Tickets available here: Hamlet | Royal Shakespeare Company
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
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Photo credit: Marc Brenner
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