Hamlet – Review - Another Way Theatre June 2018
Reviewed by Jenni Balow for The Cornishman/Minack Theatre
Hey, Hamlet, what’s with the the hoody, the headphones, the high fives, the chest bumps and air guitar strumming – this is serious man, you’re a prince, this is tragedy.
The quiffed and coiffeured prince in sunshades and sneakers has a clear sense of fun that actually makes this long play so compelling and watchable that nearly three hours simply fly by.
In fact, Dan Avery’s modern interpretation of this difficult role, directed by the multi-talented Chris Chambers, was exceptionally fine, and he carried a strong cast along with him, notably including Drummond Bowskill and Jan Szafranski as two hairy bikers, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
He was backed by a rock music based thrumming, time-ticking soundtrack, sometimes electronic and disturbingly discordant, at other times choral and joyously uplifting, composed by Chris and delivered by sound technician Joseph Lyndon, with a clock aware set designed by Emeline Beroud.
So, here was a mix of dark drama given a contemporary slick-suited slant that will never please the traditionalists, but it was bold and brave and convincing with every word clearly spoken and understood.
In the stylish programme, which he designed, Dan is shown holding Yorick’s skull reflected in his sunglasses. In it, the professional actor, who is also an A&E nurse, outlines his exhaustive research of the role of Hamlet, the prince who discovers that the King of Denmark, his father, was murdered by his uncle (Stephen Ashmore-Blakely) who has now married his mother.
It’s enough to upset anyone, and Dan plays it with a controlled energy and emotion that wins the sympathy of his audience and especially fellow cast members Andrew Fitch as his best friend Horatio, Rebecca Pickering as Ophelia in stilettos, Robert Rowe as Polonius, producer Nicky Chambers as his mother, and Matthew Headon as Laertes.
Anthony Allgood is all good as the ghost of his dead father, and relishes the chance to offer some light relief as a Sinatra- humming gravedigger, with an ad-lib for the locals “get thee to the Cable Station and fetch me a pint of Poldark”.
There’s more fun to be had when Yorick makes an appearance as a fantasy Father Christmas, so you see, this production was not totally immersed in madness, villainy and treachery, despite the seriousness of the plot.
All is not rotten in this state of Denmark, in fact, a visit will be truly rewarding.
Reviewed by Jenni Balow for The Cornishman/Minack Theatre
Hey, Hamlet, what’s with the the hoody, the headphones, the high fives, the chest bumps and air guitar strumming – this is serious man, you’re a prince, this is tragedy.
The quiffed and coiffeured prince in sunshades and sneakers has a clear sense of fun that actually makes this long play so compelling and watchable that nearly three hours simply fly by.
In fact, Dan Avery’s modern interpretation of this difficult role, directed by the multi-talented Chris Chambers, was exceptionally fine, and he carried a strong cast along with him, notably including Drummond Bowskill and Jan Szafranski as two hairy bikers, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
He was backed by a rock music based thrumming, time-ticking soundtrack, sometimes electronic and disturbingly discordant, at other times choral and joyously uplifting, composed by Chris and delivered by sound technician Joseph Lyndon, with a clock aware set designed by Emeline Beroud.
So, here was a mix of dark drama given a contemporary slick-suited slant that will never please the traditionalists, but it was bold and brave and convincing with every word clearly spoken and understood.
In the stylish programme, which he designed, Dan is shown holding Yorick’s skull reflected in his sunglasses. In it, the professional actor, who is also an A&E nurse, outlines his exhaustive research of the role of Hamlet, the prince who discovers that the King of Denmark, his father, was murdered by his uncle (Stephen Ashmore-Blakely) who has now married his mother.
It’s enough to upset anyone, and Dan plays it with a controlled energy and emotion that wins the sympathy of his audience and especially fellow cast members Andrew Fitch as his best friend Horatio, Rebecca Pickering as Ophelia in stilettos, Robert Rowe as Polonius, producer Nicky Chambers as his mother, and Matthew Headon as Laertes.
Anthony Allgood is all good as the ghost of his dead father, and relishes the chance to offer some light relief as a Sinatra- humming gravedigger, with an ad-lib for the locals “get thee to the Cable Station and fetch me a pint of Poldark”.
There’s more fun to be had when Yorick makes an appearance as a fantasy Father Christmas, so you see, this production was not totally immersed in madness, villainy and treachery, despite the seriousness of the plot.
All is not rotten in this state of Denmark, in fact, a visit will be truly rewarding.
Hamlet
William Shakespeare
society/company: Another Way Theatre Ltd (professional)(directory)
performance date: 30 May 2018
venue: Mitre Theatre, Trinity School, Croydon
reviewer/s: Diana Eccleston (Sardines review)
Hamlet is a massive challenge for any company: Shakespeare's longest play and arguably the most famous, influential drama in Western literature. It has been performed in countless way over the centuries with scholars in constant debate about the nature of the prince's madness.
As their name suggests, Another Way present the tragedy in yet another way. Their setting is the 1980s, hence costumes of suits and hoodies and characters busily using mobile phones while Hamlet immerses himself in loud music via his headphones. And yes, the incidental music is original too - hence a bit of Adam Ant's Prince Charming thrown into the mix.
Chris Chambers, head of drama at Trinity who set up Another Way with his wife Nicky in 2010, directs with verve and an eye for detail.
The text has been tweaked - for instance a gravedigger asks his mate to fetch him a pint of Doombar! - and trimmed, though running time is still way in excess of three hours (including interval), which means some sections sag a bit with garbled or indistinct delivery and a general lack of impetus to the plot.
But in general it is an excellent, exciting production with a charismatic lead in Dan Avery. Programme notes tell us: "I wanted my Hamlet to be deeply emotional, immensely human, full of energy, passion and able to love deeply with his heart and soul."
He is all of those things. This is a modern man with a modern outlook, heartbroken, funny, rude and raw. He explores the depths of human emotion, never for one moment letting his performance lose focus.
There are many praise-worthy supporting players. Rosencrantz (Drummond Bowskill) and Guildenstern (Jan Szafranski) turn out to be real scene-stealers. They make an hilarious double-act of dim biker types and they brightened the stage whenever they appeared.
I would have liked Stephen Ashmore-Blakely's Claudius to have been a bit nastier, though the sensual stuff between him and Nicky Chambers' Gertrude was convincing, she a sweet woman completely oblivious to the evil all around her.
Rebecca Pickering's beautiful Ophelia, Anthony Allgood in a variety of contrasting roles, Robert Rowe as an irritating Polonius and Andrew Fitch as loyal Horatio all do their bit.
And what I also appreciated about this production was how the play's most famous lines, of which there are so many that have become absorbed into everyday use, shine like beacons.
Another Way take their Hamlet to the clifftop Minack Theatre in Cornwall from June 4 to 8.
William Shakespeare
society/company: Another Way Theatre Ltd (professional)(directory)
performance date: 30 May 2018
venue: Mitre Theatre, Trinity School, Croydon
reviewer/s: Diana Eccleston (Sardines review)
Hamlet is a massive challenge for any company: Shakespeare's longest play and arguably the most famous, influential drama in Western literature. It has been performed in countless way over the centuries with scholars in constant debate about the nature of the prince's madness.
As their name suggests, Another Way present the tragedy in yet another way. Their setting is the 1980s, hence costumes of suits and hoodies and characters busily using mobile phones while Hamlet immerses himself in loud music via his headphones. And yes, the incidental music is original too - hence a bit of Adam Ant's Prince Charming thrown into the mix.
Chris Chambers, head of drama at Trinity who set up Another Way with his wife Nicky in 2010, directs with verve and an eye for detail.
The text has been tweaked - for instance a gravedigger asks his mate to fetch him a pint of Doombar! - and trimmed, though running time is still way in excess of three hours (including interval), which means some sections sag a bit with garbled or indistinct delivery and a general lack of impetus to the plot.
But in general it is an excellent, exciting production with a charismatic lead in Dan Avery. Programme notes tell us: "I wanted my Hamlet to be deeply emotional, immensely human, full of energy, passion and able to love deeply with his heart and soul."
He is all of those things. This is a modern man with a modern outlook, heartbroken, funny, rude and raw. He explores the depths of human emotion, never for one moment letting his performance lose focus.
There are many praise-worthy supporting players. Rosencrantz (Drummond Bowskill) and Guildenstern (Jan Szafranski) turn out to be real scene-stealers. They make an hilarious double-act of dim biker types and they brightened the stage whenever they appeared.
I would have liked Stephen Ashmore-Blakely's Claudius to have been a bit nastier, though the sensual stuff between him and Nicky Chambers' Gertrude was convincing, she a sweet woman completely oblivious to the evil all around her.
Rebecca Pickering's beautiful Ophelia, Anthony Allgood in a variety of contrasting roles, Robert Rowe as an irritating Polonius and Andrew Fitch as loyal Horatio all do their bit.
And what I also appreciated about this production was how the play's most famous lines, of which there are so many that have become absorbed into everyday use, shine like beacons.
Another Way take their Hamlet to the clifftop Minack Theatre in Cornwall from June 4 to 8.
Breathtaking!!!
We booked coach transport from Penzance at the same time that we ordered the theatre tickets for Hamlet.. On arrival, we bought the vegan curry from the food van in the car park and it was delicious! We had taken cushions and blankets but you can hire bucket seats which are recommended to give added back support. The performance of Hamlet by "Another Way Theatre" was excellent - the audience were transfixed, but prior to the play, we were all delighted when a pod of dolphins made their way across the bay to provide the warm up act.which went on for 10 minutes. A wonderful experience; friendly staff in an incredible setting. Very very special.
Sheryl T (Trip Advisor)
Hamlet by the sea!
Amazing location for an outdoor theatre. The views are spectacular and we were SO lucky to be able to watch a massive pod of dolphins cross the bay beside us while we waited for the evening performance. Bring blankets hot drinks (and a cushion to sit on if you can) - the seats are carved into the rock and a three hour performance might prove uncomfortable otherwise. Hamlet was great - not a Shakespeare devotee but it was wonderful to watch. Great night for the money (think we paid a tenner a ticket).
We had a barbecue on the beach down from the theatre beforehand - the most stunning beach I’ve seen in Cornwall so far, well worth all those steps down! Casey D
Simply Brilliant
Although we had visit the Minack many times before, I had wanted to go and see a play there for as long as could remember, and last Friday we finally went... it was worth the wait.
What a location, what a view and what a beautiful evening.
We saw Hamlet which was so good - a great cast and very well acted.
I cannot recommend enough for you to go and see a play - it is an unforgettable experience.
We are definitely coming back. NMJUL
We booked coach transport from Penzance at the same time that we ordered the theatre tickets for Hamlet.. On arrival, we bought the vegan curry from the food van in the car park and it was delicious! We had taken cushions and blankets but you can hire bucket seats which are recommended to give added back support. The performance of Hamlet by "Another Way Theatre" was excellent - the audience were transfixed, but prior to the play, we were all delighted when a pod of dolphins made their way across the bay to provide the warm up act.which went on for 10 minutes. A wonderful experience; friendly staff in an incredible setting. Very very special.
Sheryl T (Trip Advisor)
Hamlet by the sea!
Amazing location for an outdoor theatre. The views are spectacular and we were SO lucky to be able to watch a massive pod of dolphins cross the bay beside us while we waited for the evening performance. Bring blankets hot drinks (and a cushion to sit on if you can) - the seats are carved into the rock and a three hour performance might prove uncomfortable otherwise. Hamlet was great - not a Shakespeare devotee but it was wonderful to watch. Great night for the money (think we paid a tenner a ticket).
We had a barbecue on the beach down from the theatre beforehand - the most stunning beach I’ve seen in Cornwall so far, well worth all those steps down! Casey D
Simply Brilliant
Although we had visit the Minack many times before, I had wanted to go and see a play there for as long as could remember, and last Friday we finally went... it was worth the wait.
What a location, what a view and what a beautiful evening.
We saw Hamlet which was so good - a great cast and very well acted.
I cannot recommend enough for you to go and see a play - it is an unforgettable experience.
We are definitely coming back. NMJUL