Review: Hamlet at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse – Sophia PT, Tiffin

The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is an elegant theatre in the heart of London, next to the Globe Theatre. With its ornate ceiling and an oak gallery it is spectacular (if you are able to ignore the extreme back pain caused by sitting on a backless wooden bench for over three hours). Lit by candles carried by actors and in sconces and chandeliers, it is beautiful yet I couldn’t help but stare at the candles sitting on the floor expecting them to fall over at any moment. On one particular occasion, a candle was placed precariously on a ledge and it is nothing short of a miracle Ophelia’s dress did not knock it over, lest catch fire.

This performance of “Hamlet” is a modernised version of Shakespeare’s play which was first performed in 1609; Hamlet is depicted, by George Fouracres, as an angsty and sulky prince clearly demonstrated by his sudden outbursts of “Bigmouth Strikes Again” by The Smiths. His moody personality portrays him as far less classy than the audience would expect Hamlet to be. Fouracres’ comedy, such as breaking the fourth wall along with jokes and swearing, though creating some laughter in the audience, made him lack rhythm overall. It seemed like they were willing to sacrifice some of the rhythm of the play for the sake of a few lukewarm jokes. Overall the play felt clumsy and awkward because of the sheer number of different acting styles which led to an absence of chemistry between the characters. This meant the tragedy of the play was lost as the bonds between the characters, and between the characters and audience, were just not really there.

It is clear this play was aimed at a younger audience with the costumes being a blend of antique jacobean fashion, such as feathered hats and long dresses, with hoodies and diamond quilted puffer vests. Ophelia is a good example of how the play is modernised; she enters the stage with a letter from Hamlet along with a mixtape and teddy bear; not only this, she throws up the middle finger. Her wittiness and style make her a energetic and funny character yet her dialogue has rhythm also which makes for a great dynamic performance. Rachel Hannah Clarke did a great job using sharp tones in order to intertwine humour in her dialogue whilst still being presented as a respectable character. Another humorous character was the gravedigger played by the musician and composer of the play, Ed Gaughan. His skit, after the second interval, started with him joking about how long the play was and “if anyone is still awake” after the seven hour long show. His skit, filled with political humour and digs at English people, was a breath of fresh air in such a muddled heavy play.

In the centre of the stage stood a pool of water. Much like a paddling pool, as time went on, it became more and more grim until I couldn’t bear to even think about the pathogens bathing in the dull murky water. First, the ghost of Hamlet stands in it, then a dagger is thrown in along with a candle and other props, then people put their hands in the water, then more people stand in the water; there is no other way to describe this other than nauseating and stomach-churning and disgusting and…you get the idea. Though the pool was a clever design that foreshadowed death whilst symbolising madness and a lack of control throughout the play, its awkward position centre stage was like a piece of furniture one would spontaneously buy before realising all it does is get in the way. At the beginning of the play the ghost of Hamlet’s father appeared standing in the pool only lit by a torch. He told Hamlet that Claudius had murdered him. All of this was atmospheric and dramatic until the blackout when all was silent apart from the awkward squelching of the dead King’s feet as he tried to quietly exit the stage in his soaking wet socks.

In the end the play was witty and humorous but the comedy, though releasing some chuckles from the audience, made the performance slightly muddled. However, it is always interesting seeing directors’ interpretations of 17th century plays and novels. Though it was not a perfect performance, it was fun and unique.