Review: The RSC's Hamlet at Newcastle Theatre Royal
The Royal Shakespeare Company have returned to Newcastle
Hamlet’s mother has married his uncle and Hamlet unravels a web of deceit in this new production fresh from its run in Stratford-upon-Avon. The creative team is led by multi-award-winning director Rupert Goold whose recent work includes the National Theatre’s Dear England.
Newcastle Theatre Royal’s raked stage is always a dramatic sight, but even more so in this production which is set entirely aboard a ship. Throughout, the cast sway and clamber about the tilting stage as others appear from trap doors and hatches. To add to the illusion, the backdrop is a giant screen with constantly changing views of waves and dramatic weather.
The RSC are known for taking risks and, despite this decision causing a few contextual changes (mostly to set the setting of conversations and the circumstances of deaths), this is one that’s definitely paid off. The final scene in particular is thrilling to watch as characters slide and fall to their deaths through a hole in the centre of the stage.
Told over a matter of hours, digital clocks on either side of the stage help audiences follow the story and striking lighting and blackouts add drama throughout. Ralph Davis as Hamlet has audiences gripped from the get-go and Colin Ryan as Horatio is a stand-out for us, but Richard Cant’s Polonius goes down a storm with the audience. His fourth wall breaking and humorous quips add some much-needed comedy to what is an otherwise very dark play.
Visually striking and most importantly engaging, this is a strong take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet for modern audiences.
