Review: HAMLET, RSC
Photo credit: Marc Brenner
Featuring over 4,000 lines – and around 30,000 words - Hamlet is Shakespeare’s longest play. Since 1961, Hamlet has seen many different productions with the RSC and has had some wonderful directors, including Trevor Nunn and more recently Simon Godwin. Of course, Hamlet himself has been played by a vast array of talented and well known actors; one of the highlights of this century being BAFTA host extraordinaire, David Tenant.
The plot is as follows: Prince Hamlet of Denmark is deeply troubled after the sudden death of his father, King Hamlet. He then learns that his Uncle Claudius, who has now married his Mother Gertrude, murdered his Father to seize the throne. Hamlet seeks revenge, but his indecision and inner turmoil lead to a tragic conclusion.
In Rupert Goold’s production, it’s 1912 and we’re on a boat. We see a snapshot of Hamlet’s Father’s funeral as he is buried at sea; we are then informed by a projection that 50 days have passed. In a bid to tackle the traditional length of Hamlet, the rest of the play continues on the ship and everything happens over the course of a few hours; we know this thanks to the digital clocks on either side of the stage which light up during key moments and transitions. A bold choice, that pays off; a clear timeline engages a modern audience and the focus is solely on the content. Content which this stunning cast delivers exceptionally.
Threads of humour and grief are woven throughout this wonderfully diverse play. There are big names in this RSC cast, as you’d expect - Anton Lessor (Game of Thrones) who plays Ghost/First Player and Jared Harris (The Crown, Chernobyl) who is completely captivating as Hamlet’s Uncle Claudius. However, the complete standout is Hamlet himself, played by Luke Thallon, who throws himself deliriously into the role of a pretend (and often hilarious) mad man, who then journeys down a path that he cannot return from.
It would be incredibly unfair not to mention Es Devlin’s set. Real (and sometimes moving) water surrounds an ever changing and adaptable ship; it moves, it sways, it breathes, it lives. Always enhancing and never stealing from the action. The costumes are simply stunning and suit the chosen Edwardian era. Music and dance is also used exquisitely to enhance the story and encourages complete immersion. This is helped by the wonderful live band placed off stage. This is a particular triumph when the group of thespians that Hamlet has instructed perform a play mirroring the circumstances of his Father’s death. They do this through erratic movement and operatic singing - haunting.
Rupert Goold’s Hamlet truly is a piece of art. Whether you’ve seen every single RSC production of Hamlet, or have simply watched The Lion King, this is a triumph from start to finish and deserves to be seen by everyone.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Eaton
Hamlet plays at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon until 29 March, with further info here.