The Prince of Denmark

Originally commissioned by the National Theatre Discover programme this play was first presented at the National Theatre in October 2010.  It’s writer, Michael Leslie, has sought to provide a prelude to Shakespeare’s most famous of tragedies and in doing so enlightens the audience to the fascinating prequel to Hamlet.  For those not familiar with the play it is set in the court of the King of Denmark, whilst the King is away at war, leaving behind his restless son, The Prince of Denmark, who is frustrated by the limits of his role and angry at his father’s war-mongering.  Coupled with a troubled court and a scheming peasant this play provides insight into what is yet to come.   Do we know if this is what Shakespeare envisaged?  I’m not sure, but what the audience were assured of in the production by Yew Tree Youth Theatre is that every young performer was committed to their role and powerfully portraying these complex characters.

The characters were not the only complexity of the play, the narrative was hugely challenging and every actor had clearly worked hard to ensure that none of the story was lost and all lines were delivered with a brilliant clarity of diction and at an appropriate pace.  Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (Cait and Eliana) were an excellent duo, providing support and wise counsel to the Prince.  Their timing was excellent as was their stature.   There were also strong performances from Violet as the Player and Layla as Marcellus – both ensuring their parts within the piece were convincing as they were important to the storyline.

Ollie, Alise and Ricky provided a confident ensemble who together with the cast moved with conviction around the performance space.  Reynaldo (Penny) delivered her lines with confidence and as the youngest member of Black Company shows great promise.  Nat as Horatio offered good advice with clarity and measure to the troubled Hamlet with the “approval of my own conscience”- a strong performance particularly as in the second performance Nat would take the role of Hamlet.  The play had been double cast in several roles for the second showing and I am sure the high standard of performance would have been maintained through both shows. 

Hattie gave us a wonderful Osric – a most reluctant, hesitant buffoon of a character complete with a scooter resplendent with ribbons.  Bordering on comedy this was a great interpretation and the audience was in no doubt that Osric would never win the heart of the feisty Ophelia.  Becca shared a strong representation of Ophelia - torn between her love for Hamlet and her waning loyalty towards her family, perfectly capturing the intent and conniving which she would use to secure Hamlets love and elevate herself within the court.

Laertes, brother of Ophelia who is intent on bringing down the Prince, was beautifully played by Arwen.  The excellent delivery of the many difficult and challenging lines made the plotting and scheming of this character more real.  The intent on asserting brotherly authority whilst rebelling against the ‘tyrannical old king’ and traditional roles was convincingly presented to ensure the audience could see the wider challenges faced by the court and country.  The skilful fencing dual between Laertes and Hamlet was very well done and had been excellently choreographed by Jeevan.  The hero of the piece, Hamlet, was incredibly played by Jeevan.  A thoughtful and believable portrayal of a troubled son who goes on to show his own level of tyranny in the preservation of power.  The long monologue describing his angst towards his father was very well-delivered.

The play was presented in a simple performance space with very few props and no scenery,  but none was necessary.  The performers easily transported the audience to the Court of Denmark and their execution of this play was a joy.  No mics were used as the cast had excellent projection, whilst music was played to provide the atmosphere.  To quote Horatio’s penultimate line “Who knows what stories lies within….” Those who have studied Shakespeare do know what is to come, but can hopefully feel more at ease with Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy in having witnessed this wonderful telling of the backstory of Hamlet.

Congratulations to Director Sarah Osborne and the talented Black Company on an excellent production.

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