Review: HAMLET, Young Vic
Greg Hersov’s eagerly anticipated production of Hamlet at the Young Vic regrettably falls slightly short of expectations on this occasion. Overall, the production requires more sense of direction, has an incongruous style, lacks nuance and detail and has performances predominantly led by stereotypes.
The ‘modern’ stage design consists of four large, dominant towering metallic blocks, which don’t appear to have a real purpose other than to conceal dead bodies and reflect lighting states.
Cush Jumbo’s Hamlet becomes a somewhat predictable angry teenage boy whose energy manifests in lashing out . This Hamlet has little sense of indecision or torment in his conflict of desires between seeking revenge on his uncle and his inability to overcome his conscience, which is an integral part to the character as Hamlet says “conscious doth make cowards of us all.” His inability to overcome his fear of murdering his uncle has no presence in this interpretation. Perhaps that is a conscious choice by Jumbo or Hersov, however it removes a huge heartbeat and drive to the play and to this character. However, Jumbo does have good facility for language and is, undeniably, committed in energy when manic and when depressed.
Joseph Marcell as Polonious deserves a mention as he brings real humour to the role. There is an interesting moment between Ophelia (Norah Lopez Holden) and Hamlet (Jumbo) when they dance in their first scene together, which provides a breath of fresh air as they seem to have a genuine connection on stage. More moments with intimate connections like this would have been welcome. As an audience member, a lot of what is being said isn’t always achieved with Shakespeare so the production should be commended for its clarity and for the successful delivery of lines; the cast have a good sense of rhythm and tone. It seems as though the cast has strong actors within it with great potential, however a lack of consistent direction lets the interpretation down.
** Two stars
Reviewed by: Viv Williams
Hamlet plays at the Young Vic until 13 November. To book tickets, please click here.