Putting on a Shakespeare play must feel like a lot of pressure as expectations run high. So, when the Bristol Old Vic announced Hamlet would be on this October and November, I was looking forward to seeing their adaptation of the classic.
The play quickly feels undoubtedly Shakespearean and you are transported to Hamlet's intense world. Even if you are not a Shakespeare fan (or a non-native English speaker, like me), I found the play was easy to follow throughout.
One of the first surprises was the amount of familiar faces. This includes Hamlet who is played by Billy Howle, who Bristolians will remember for his leading role in Bristol-set BBC drama Chloe. Howle plays an impressive Hamlet as he appears to be fully immersed in the role. There is also Mirren Mack playing Ophelia who the audience may recognise from BBC show The Nest.
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With a minimalistic stage around a revolving wall and with characters frequently dressing in black, the play can often feel rather claustrophobic. I imagine this is done on purpose to capture how Hamlet particularly must be feeling.
I always enjoy the play within a play so characteristic of Shakespeare. This is a technique also used by the author in A Midsummer Night's Dream, for example, and it features prominently again in Hamlet.
Directed by John Haidar, this version of Hamlet appeared to have a modern twist - probably because of the outfits - but I still struggled to place it in time, giving it a timeless feel that feels right for Shakespeare. Hamlet is a serious play and, at three-hours long, some may struggle with the length.
With impressive performances across the board, the tragedy truly succeeds in transporting you to another world for a few hours. Expectations run high for a Shakespeare play, but the Old Vic certainly meets them.
Hamlet is on at the Bristol Old Vic until November 12. Tickets start at £8 and you can buy them here
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