Over the next few days I’ll be officially announcing a project called HAMLET ON THE BEACH but I wanted to tell you about it first.
Every August for nearly two decades I’ve put on a piece of free theatre to give something back to London, the city I call home, and introduce newcomers to the art form I love. Despite considerable obstacles I am determined that this summer will be no exception.
Amidst the current crisis, isolation and anxiety there was no way I wasn’t going to fight to bring people safely together, to look up from their screens, and experience the power of live performance as a shared experience.
This will be London’s first production to be staged on the beaches of the Thames and the socially distanced, open air performances will take place, for free, at twilight during low tides, across selected venues, dates and times through August and September 2020. Daily updates from hamletonthebeach.com
In a lonely spot by the river the young Prince Hamlet
is challenged by the ghost of his murdered father to take revenge.
But can he become the ruthless, assassin required?
To be or not to be? That is the question!
Conceived for both regular audiences and those experiencing Shakespeare and theatre for the first time, this movie-length adaptation of Hamlet will move swiftly between the legendary moments; utilizing the historic and atmospheric setting to create what I hope will be, a lively, relaxed and accessible version of the most celebrated play ever written.
Sam Oats (Hamlet) has worked extensively for The Young Shakespeare Company and was appearing alongside Virge Gilchrist (Gertrude) and Will Forester (Ghost) in my production of Noel Coward’s PEACE IN OUR TIME when the run was cancelled after a week due to the corona virus lockdown. They’ll be joined by Helen Potter (Ophelia) Chris Laishley (Claudius) and Jack Donald (Laertes)
Audiences will meet at the Brunel Pub, next to Rotherhithe Station to register, complying with track and trace regulations. From there they’ll be directed to the performance site and invited to socially distance, wearing masks, around the action, across an expanse of shore line. The riverbank has room for standing, or sitting on beach blankets and yoga mats brought from home, whilst remaining socially distanced from other households.
There are plenty of challenges still to face, as you’d expect when creating theatre in the midst of an international pandemic, but rehearsals are going very well and, if we’re able to proceed, I can promise you a safe, really enjoyable evening of lively theatre in a beautiful and atmospheric location.
I’ll keep you updated.
It makes a lovely change to receive an industry email announcing a live performance that’s happening rather than closing down, or from a beleaguered theatre appealing for funds.