HAMLET

HAMLET

the tour returns to Shakespeare's Globe
23.04.16


The Hamlet company are back home after two years on the road. Since they set off for Amsterdam in 2014, they've given 295 performances in 206 venues. The final four shows see them on the Globe's stage.
I've already written twice about this production – though in earlier incarnations.
It's survived the vicissitudes of touring very well. The flight cases now form the set – though the two planks are still in evidence, and The Mousetrap is even more stylised. The “sour beer” sequence works wonderfully here.
For this first show back, Matthew Romain gave his Hamlet, engaging the audience throughout. Brilliant support from the hard-working, role-doubling company: Amanda Wilkin's Horatio, Rawiri Paratene's prim, prating Polonius [and earthy gravedigger], Jennifer Long's Ophelia.
A rapturous reception from a packed Globe – these four shows long since sold out – beginning as soon as Tom Lawrence stepped forward to do his speech of welcome.
We look forward to Dominic Dromgoole's book of the tour. A documentary, too, maybe.

production photograph:Helena Miscioscia