Hamlet

RSC Stratford upon Avon until 29th March 2025

Five Stars ***** “A first class voyage.”

The good ship Elsinore is Rupert Goold’s ingenious naval setting for this first-class new production of Hamlet at the RSC. Es Devlin’s design is superb with a rolling deck as the impressive centrepiece embraced by the wonderful watery video projection from Akhila Krishnan. Everything and everyone is set for the titanic journey including the ticking timepiece, the only thing of certainty is that not everyone is going to make it and the lifeboats will overused. Goold is fearless in his direction aided by the deep pockets of the budget department.

The truncated script together with the novel and naval approach zips us along which allows RSC debutante Luke Thallon to deliver a measured, troubled, and deeply thought through Hamlet. He took a few ticks of the clock to engage with but as the journey unfolds he strengthens, and the result is an exceptional and hugely watchable portrayal.

Thallon is joined and supported on stage with a gathering of experienced Shakespeare players. Elliot Levey’s balanced Polonius hits the right light notes, Nancy Carroll gathers her impending culpability with poetic pace as Gertrude, and Anton Lesser proves to be a brilliant piece of casting as the Ghost of Hamlet’s father. Mention to for the double act of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern pleasantly served up with style by Chase Brown and Tadeo Martinez.

The bold crossing will not suit everyone, and the odd case of Mal de Mer may ensue, but for many it will be a first-class voyage. My suggestion is to get yourself a ticket quick and climb aboard.

Reviewed by David Robinson