HAMLET

Hamlet is Shakespeare's most famous and notable work, and perhaps one of the most famous pieces of English literature ever to be created. It is also his longest play, stretching at a staggering 4 hours. It's so long that it has to start before midday so that the Globe theatre had enough daylight to perform the show. It is said to be written between 1599 and 1602. Hamlet was first performed in 1609.

What is Hamlet about?

Hamlet is a play about family, murder, betrayal, love and what it means to die. It centres around a young prince Hamlet who's father has just died, leaving him and his mother Gertrude behind. Whilst the whole of Denmark grieves, the newly appointed King of Denmark, Claudius, takes over his brothers mantle. Hamlet is trying to come to grips at the loss of his father and his place in th world, when his mother Gertrude mysteriously marries Claudius exceptionally quickly after the death of Hamlets father. Hamlet feels that this is grotesque and wrong, and that his mother has betrayed his father. However, one night, Hamlets best and most loyal friend Horatio sights something strange lurking around the battlements of Elsinore castle. He alerts Hamlet during a period of self confession and mourning. Hamlet is then visited upon by a ghost. The ghost of his father, returned to tell him of his murder and how he has been usurped by his brother Claudius who poisoned him by pouring a potion into his ear whilst he slept. Hamlet, shocked and confused is asked by his fathers spirit to avenge him and kill Claudius.

Hamlet: A Contemporary Re-imagining of a Classic

Hamlet performed at the Almeida Theatre, London

In this production of Hamlet, the style and aesthetic was very critical in nailing the atmosphere of the piece. Hamlet by the Almeida really focused on the aspect of death, and the afterlife. It narrowed down on what it was to grieve and why living is so hard. The concept was that it was set in a very rich family apartment, albeit still the kings apartment. The characters, especially, Hamlet felt more down to earth, grounded and human.

In this production of Hamlet, the costumes were very formal. Most of the men wore suits and the females wore dresses, as if at a wine bar or a dinner date. Except for Hamlet who is only seen wearing a suit for one scene and is then wearing somewhat casual clothes for the rest of the show. This makes Hamlet feel like one of the audience, a person and instantly relatable as we feel for him. Whereas character like Claudius visibly appear rich and upper class. 

The casting was exceptionally good. Andrew Scott, who played Hamlet (my character) was very fragile and emotionally distraught. His portrayal of Hamlet was so real, I believed every second of it. His choice to perform with his Irish accent felt a little out of place but was quickly forgotten because of his amazing performance. What was particularity interesting was his relationship with Gertrude. They were emotionally connected beyond what I could fathom. Every scene they were in it was like a dance. One would move and the other would respond hastily and it worked like that through entire show until Claudius entered. Then he would stand still, frozen by anger. It was beautiful to watch.