Review: HAMLET HAIL TO THE THIEF, Aviva Studios

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

Since Factory International is dedicated to producing and showcasing new work from living creatives, it is rare for the company to delve into the world of Shakespeare, however they will sometimes make the odd exception for a fresh take on a Shakespearean classic. This time that exception comes in the form of Hamlet Hail to the Thief - a strikingly bold new production combining Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy and the music of Radiohead.

So many elements come together in this production to create an eerily spectacular visual masterpiece. The scenography team from AMP featuring Sadra Tehrani have created a monochrome recording studio style set, complete with soundproofing foam panels, amplifier speakers embedded into the walls, and glass panels to replicate sound recording booths to house the talented musicians. Will Duke’s projection design utilises the shapes of the set’s speakers and doorways and adds more depth to the space through mapping the projection around the shapes for some parts, as well as having moments of full coverage to seize the audience’s attention. One point in particular when the projection really commands attention is during the appearances of the apparition of Hamlet’s deceased father. These sequences featuring Paul Hilton, accompanied by Gareth Fry’s sound design, are startling and haunting, so unnerving that it is understandable that Hamlet’s descent into madness stems from witnessing the apparition in this form.

Co-creators and co-directors Christine Jones and Steven Hoggett, and choreographer Jess Williams, have combined serious acting, physical theatre and dance to create an authentic yet abstract feel to each of the scenes through the soliloquies and ensemble scenes. There is a certain intensity about the piece that is captivating without feeling overwhelming, which reaches a climactic peak towards the very end of the play, as dance combined with Kevin McCurdy’s fight direction ensures that the demise of several characters is certainly a memorable dramatic moment.

Playing the titular role of Hamlet is Samuel Blenkin, who does a marvellous job of showing the development of Hamlet’s grief fuelled insanity. Ami Tredrea plays Ophelia: confident and carefree to begin the story, which makes her battle with grief feel heavier and her untimely end all the more heartbreaking. Completing the rest of this stellar cast are Alby Baldwin as Horatio, James Cooney as Rosencrantz & The Player King, Brandon Grace as Laertes, Claudia Harrison as Gertrude, Paul Hilton as Claudius (as well as the aforementioned ghost), Felipe Pacheco as Guildenstern & Lucianus, Tom Peters as Polonius, and Romaya Weaver as Grave Digger, Player Queen, & Bernarda.

A bold new co-production between Factory International and The Royal Shakespeare Company, Hamlet Hail to the Thief is a tremendous and intensely captivating interpretation of the classic Shakespearean tragedy. With an accompaniment of music from Radiohead performed live by talented musicians and actors, this unique rendition of Hamlet is a must see, so book your tickets to experience it at Aviva Studios Home of Factory International until 18 May, or catch it between 4-28 June at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Jess Dalloway