I was surprised to receive a press release recently promoting the last chance to see the west end transfer of Robert Icke’s critically acclaimed production of Hamlet starring the multi award-winning Andrew Scott and which closes at the Harold Pinter Theatre on 2 September 2017.
Surprised because I would have expected such a universally acclaimed production to have sold out long ago. But never mind, what’s bad news for the producers is great news for us. It means that if you haven’t already enjoyed this land mark production or wish to see it again there may yet be a chance to snap up a ticket.
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is an undisputed masterpiece of world literature. The psychologically piercing portrayal of a son’s inability to engage with adult responsibility miraculously morphs into a play relevant to any age in which it’s produced, shifting in resonance to become applicable to any stage of life at which you view it.
The title role is a challenge for any young actor who must stamp their own mark on the part and convey the Prince’s inner-turmoil clearly and truthfully to an audience.
Andrew Scott, one of my favourite actors, is especially brilliant at making the old script feel urgent, relevant and easy to follow. I think people will be talking about his interpretation for many years to come.
He’s surrounded by a first rate supporting cast which includes Barry Aird (Francisco/Gravedigger), Madeline Appiah (Guildenstern), Derbhle Crotty (Gertrude), Marty Cruickshank (Player Queen), Jessica Brown Findlay (Ophelia), Calum Finlay (Rosencrantz), Joshua Higgott (Horatio), Daniel Rabin (Reynaldo), David Rintoul (Ghost/Player King), Maanuv Thiara (Marcellus), Luke Thompson (Laertes), Peter Wight (Polonius), Angus Wright (Claudius) and Matthew Wynn (Bernardo/Player 3/Priest).
However if you really can’t make it to the theatre there’s more good news. We’re told – “BBC viewers will have a front row seat at this celebrated production of Hamlet, which will broadcast on BBC Two in 2018... Shot live in front of a West End audience, BBC viewers will be given close-up access to this generation’s most acclaimed Hamlet.
But I really would recommend seeing it in person if you possibly can to experience how engaging an actor like Scott can make this classic feel so personal. Here’s a reminder of his key past achievements as an actor.
“Andrew Scott is best known for his BAFTA award-winning role, playing Moriarty, in the BBC’s Sherlock and was most recently on screen in the film Denial alongside Rachel Weisz. On stage, he most recently appeared in The Dazzle at Found111. His other theatre credits include Olivier Award-winning performances in Cock and A Girl in a Car with a Man, as well as Birdland, Dying City, Crave and Playing The Victim at the Royal Court; 50 Years on Stage, Sea Wall, Emperor and Galilean and Aristocrats at the National Theatre; Design for Living and Dublin Carol at the Old Vic; and The Vertical Hour on Broadway. His recent films include Swallows and Amazons; Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass; Spectre, Jimmy’s Hall, Victor Frankenstein, Locke, Pride (BIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor) and the forthcoming film Handsome Devil. Further television credits include The Hollow Crown, The Town, The Hour, John Adams and Band of Brothers. He has twice won the BBC Audio Drama award for his work on Radio”
Producers have also announced a series of key satellite events including a discussion about mental health in relation to the play from director, star and an expert in the field, which will be broadcast via a link Time Out’s website on Tuesday 22 August at 2pm.
Good news for opera fans! It’s been announced that the innovative and inspirational director, Olivier Award-winner Phelim McDermott, will direct a new production of Aida to launch English National Opera’s 2017/18 season.