We're Mad about the Boy

Shakespeare does like his tragedies to be tragic! But this tragedy is a triumph!

At the end of Hamlet, which is confusing in that both the boy, Prince Hamlet and his father, the deceased King Hamlet share the same name, both share the same fate - they are both dead. But it's not just the 2 Hamlets who die - there are seven other deaths.

If you haven't studied or even know the play, the clarity of delivery and imaginative staging of Hamlet at East Riding Theatre allows the watcher to become immersed in the action and follow the story through every word and nuance. 

Every inch of the small stage at East Riding Theatre is used to stage this wonderful interpretation - plus space below stage and staging above also contribute as the play's scenes move between Denmark and England. The set design, lighting and sound are integral in creating the atmosphere, which is further enhanced by the intimacy of the theatre.

So what is the story? Price Hamlet is summoned back from school in Germany to Denmark as his father has died, to find that his mother, Gertrude has already married his dead father's brother, Claudius, who has had himself crowned king, despite the fact that Hamlet was heir to the throne. Hamlet is not happy! He meets his father's ghost which says he was murdered by Claudius pouring poison in his ear whilst he slept. He asks Hamlet to avenge his death, but spare his mother.

Hamlet becomes very confused. is the ghost speaking the truth? Prince Hamlet arranges for a group of travelling players to stage a play which recreates King Hamlet's death. Claudius' reaction is telling and Hamlet vows to kill him. 

But first to die is Polonius, who is stabbed as he spies on Hamlet and Gertrude - he's hiding under the floor-boards. Then, Hamlet's school friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern who have been discovered spying on him under Claudius' instructions, are hanged.  Polonius' daughter, Ophelia who believes Prince Hamlet loves her, is distraught over her father's death and Hamlet's behaviour, becomes depressed and drowns. Her brother, Laertes, returning for his father Polonius' funeral , witnesses Ophelia's decline. He comes to blows with Hamlet over which one of them loved Ophelia more - and vows to punish Hamlet for her death as well as Polonius'. Laertes plots with Claudius to kill Hamlet with a poisoned sword. 

In the sword fight which ensues between Hamlet and Laertes. Laertes stabs Hamlet but drops the poisoned sword. Hamlet picks the sword up and stabs Laertes, who admits the sword is poisoned so both of them will die. Gertrude, thinking her son is winning the fight, drinks a toast from the wine cup with the poison in it and dies. Before dying, Laertes confesses his part in the plot with Claudius. Hamlet, understandably livid, stabs Claudius and pours the rest of the poisoned wine down his throat.  

Before expiring, Hamlet tells his friend Horatio who should become King. In fact, at the end of this production, Horatio is the only 'living' person left on the stage!

It would be unfair to single out any of the actors as all are so accomplished and real. But if you like your entertainment to be 'dark' you will find no better production than this. It is playing until October 15th so you have time to go to see it; I might just go again!

https://uk.patronbase.com/_EastRidingTheatre/Productions/4/Performances