Hamlet

It was wonderful to see a large audience assembled on what was a very cold winter’s evening. The Director, Elliot Huxtable, promised to try to ‘subvert expectations’ of his audience of what Hamlet should be – and in the next two and half hours we were to be transfixed by the differences he managed to conjure.

As always, the ensemble cast were 100% invested in the journey we were taken on. A handsome, thoughtful and confounded Hamlet held court – a truly word-perfect, commanding delivery. He portrayed the confused, handsome young prince in a realistic, sympathetic way. Alex Rose brought a reality to his character, and made the production very accessible to its audience. The sum of the small actions built sympathy and a warmth into the role. Duty – being the driver rather than thirst for elevation and power, he still managed a commanding character among the older players. Ophelia – had a nymphish air about her which really worked. Unfortunately her voice was very genteel and sometimes didn’t carry to the back of the hall, but Esme Friel established her character well with her wispy gentility. Clearly too fragile for the world of deceit and power-play that surrounded her.

Matthew Sullivan played Claudius with confidence and great stage presence – black hearted, power hungry – an excellent foil for the fine featured struggling Hamlet. His partner in marriage Gertrude - played by Susan Odev – was well matched to her  husband – the murderous brother of her recently dispatched husband. A believable black hearted pair! All the remaining cast members contributed to the impact of the production and should be congratulated on their performances. One of the features that worked superbly was the addition of music at key points throughout the production. Some I didn’t recognise - but laud the choices. Others including, ‘If you go away’ were familiar. All the music was highly significant in its placement. Excellent additions.

There was one aspect that disaffected the immersive experience for me. It was the use of a particularly narrow depth of physical stage which resulted in the faces of the key players being unlit during key scenes. It may not have been apparent nearer the front of the auditorium – but from my position it certainly was a distraction from the action. However, it didn’t spoil the audience, or my enjoyment of a wonderful evening. A triumph, acknowledged by the standing ovation from an appreciative audience.

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