Hamlet

Directing and performing any play are not things to be taken lightly, especially when the play in question is Shakespeare’s Hamlet, at four hours long and one of the longest plays he ever wrote. However, with the aid of Amy Gunn’s expert direction this was seamlessly reduced without losing the thread of tragedy that unfolds. This was a very professional production. Shakespearean language doesn’t always come easy but this DGP production was top-drawer, and everyone should be very proud of what they have achieved; not only the direction and acting, but also the back-up and support of a good technical team.

The production delivered all the emotions usually associated with the Bard, from love, anger, grief, murder, suicide and deceit to a splash of humour - all sometimes delivered in just one scene. The cast wore modern clothing, and this blended very well with the concept of the production and the minimalist set which also worked well.

The ghost of the King of Denmark, murdered by his brother, Claudius, tells his son Hamlet to avenge his murder by killing Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius, who has taken the crown. Hamlet devises ways to kill him, but things do not always go to plan as his uncle, fearing for his life, develops plans of his own. All the fourteen talented actors were outstanding with good articulation and pace of dialogue. The different characterisations all required a high level of concentration and understanding, and this was achieved admirably.

The King of Denmark’s ghost (Craig McCrindle) always very quietly and suddenly appears from nowhere and Craig perfectly and eerily delivered this apparition. Iona Wilkins gave an incredible performance of Hamlet in this very taxing role. Her diction and lengthy dialogue flowed with ease, with clarity in the portrayal of various emotions all perfectly delivered. A brilliant and first-class performance from Iona.

Adam Booth was perfectly cast as Claudius and with copious amounts of dialogue to deliver he skilfully manipulated the character into making everyone around him obey his wishes, including additional murders. A strong performance from Adam. 

Alice Ravencroft was wonderful as Gertrude. She is Hamlet’s mother, who, after King Hamlet’s death, married his brother Claudius. Alice delivered her lines perfectly with the feelings and understanding expected of her position as a loving mother, wife and Queen.

Hannah Pamplin’s performance as Ophelia, who is in love with Hamlet, was excellent and showed so many different emotions. Her hot-headed brother, Laertes, was superbly played by Alistair Mackay, and Nick Tait gave a great performance as their father, Polonius. Cieran Ryan gave a very good characterisation of Horatio and performed this role with ease, as a dear friend of Hamlet and always there to help him out.

The play would not be complete without the additional characters of Rosencrantz (Lily Luty) and Guildenstern (Christy Stanley). Giving good performances in multiple roles were Adam Fergus, Nigel Turner and Liz Lynch-Smith.

Congratulations again to everyone involved in this production and the much-deserved applause and cheering at the close said it all. We thoroughly enjoyed this brilliant performance from DGP and thank you for the invite and hospitality

Sue Cox   Drama Rep – Region 14

NODA N.E.

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