Shakespeare Live’s production of Hamlet has been transformed to bring the prince into the social, moral and political upheaval of the First World War.
It’s a ruse that brings gun-wielding soldiers into juxtaposition with the flappers and froth of the 1920s.
Unfortunately the opening scenes of the soldiers, dressed in black and wearing masks, doesn’t quite work – if only because the masks are more comic than evil, the soldiers don’t march in time and there are disquieting glimpses of high heels beneath the black uniforms.
But that niggle aside, Hamlet is a great success, bringing the great themes of revenge, duty, madness, politics, illusion and truth into a modern context.
Matt Nation as Hamlet provides the backbone of the play as he journeys from troubled youth to philosopher/killer.
His manic intensity remains throughout, despite the massive demands of the role.
Other outstanding players include Paul Batson, who brings delightful, understated humour to the part of Polonius, and Alexandra Evans, whose Ophelia brings tears to the eyes as madness takes over.
Director Rod Moor-Bardell uses the new setting of Lackham House to good effect, especially in the ghost scene where the old king strides out on the first floor balcony.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here