Hamlet

By William Shakespeare
directed by Max Lewendel

Do I murder the king now or wait for proof? Are women constant and worthy or flippant and unfaithful? Is life worth living? To be or not to be…

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The Cast

About

To be or not to be…

Hamlet asks these questions as he struggles to find one moral absolute in a murderous, corrupt world. Shakespeare’s most iconic and challenging play - arguably the world’s greatest dramatic work - goes for the jugular without hesitation.

This will be a fresh, kinetic, and above all accessible production, perfect for students and adults alike to learn or re-visit the story.  This is an ensemble play with respect for realism and the eloquence of the verse blended with physical theatre and a subtle score.

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Neil McEwan

"If this is what comes from flying too close to the sun,

then long may they continue"

Marketing information

Neil McEwan

"If this is what comes from flying too close to the sun,

then long may they continue"

Venues click here

Creative Team

Director: Max Lewendel
Assistant Director: Bethany Pitts
Movement Director: Carrie Mueller
Fight Director: Ronin Traynor
Production Manager: Caroline Saunders
Asst. Producer: Louise Ody
Logistics Manager: Margaret Houston
Set Designer: Christopher Hone
Costume Designer: Katharine Heath
Sound Design: Theo Holloway
LX Designer: Oliver Welsh
Stage Manager: Jules Richardson
Asst Cost. Design: Margarita Pokhrel

Cast:

Hamlet: Giles Roberts
Ophelia: Loren O'Dair
Claudius: John Paton
Gertrude: Julia Munrow
Polonius: John Eastman
Laertes: Nick Holbek
Rosencrantz: Tobias Deacon
Guildenstern: Omar Ibrahim
Horatio: Dani McCallum

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More information

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Free programmes (normally £3).

Running time: approx 2h30m

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Reviews

Click here to read more reviews

Helene Reinbolt, Beats Boards Banter‍

The Icarus Theatre is not shy when it comes to defying the rules and presenting things in the darkest of lights

Gillian Carter, The Tribe‍

Following on from last year's excellent production of Othello, Icarus Theatre Collective and Harrogate Theatre made their return to the Byre with another Shakespearean favourite, Hamlet, directed by Max Lewendel

Prija Gulraj, Hertford Mercury‍

A dramatic storyline was only emphasised by an excellent cast and brilliant acting, and Icarus Theatre Collective's Hamlet comes highly recommended.

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What does our Community say?

Read our reviews over 24 productions

Trial of Galileo

RemoteGoat

★★★★★
"Icarus Theatre fly into London on waxen wings, which, after this compelling production, show no sign of melting any time soon, A fine production, and a fantastic example of a writer and performer at the top of their game".

How to be a Bad Girl

Deadline News

★★★★
"Chap's cheeky, witty and bold personality shines through as she sings the stories of her own life, and sometimes others - all with wonderful vocal ability and tone that excites and engages the mixed crowd that packed in to the room to see her."
Lucy Samson

Macbeth

Carrick Biz

★★★★
"Five Stars alone are due to the designers of the simple set and the expressive mood-setting lighting and sound. You'll find out what a bane-moon looks like."
David Kerr

Hamlet

Review Sphere

[Their] adaptation truly had rebranded Hamlet for the Game of Thrones age. It was daring and experimental and often risky, but it worked and proved that it is indeed a living and ever fluid piece of literature"
Caroline Malcolm Boulton

Trial of Galileo

RemoteGoat

"Icarus Theatre fly into London on waxen wings, which, after this compelling production, show no sign of melting any time soon, A fine production, and a fantastic example of a writer and performer at the top of their game".

How to be a Bad Girl

Deadline News

"Chap's cheeky, witty and bold personality shines through as she sings the stories of her own life, and sometimes others - all with wonderful vocal ability and tone that excites and engages the mixed crowd that packed in to the room to see her." Lucy Samson

Macbeth

Carrick Biz

"Five Stars alone are due to the designers of the simple set and the expressive mood-setting lighting and sound. You'll find out what a bane-moon looks like." David Kerr

Hamlet

Review Sphere

Icarus Theatre Collective's adaptation truly had rebranded Hamlet for the Game of Thrones age. It was daring and experimental and often risky, but it worked and proved that it is indeed a living and ever fluid piece of literature." Caroline Malcolm Boulton

Many Roads to Paradise

Uk Theatre Web

★★★★★
"For many reason this play should be seen by everyone. Drama students and theatre-lovers alike will applaud fine acting by the strongest of casts, you would pay a lot of money in the West End for a class act like this"
Gene David Kirk

Journeys End

The Public Reviews

★★★★
"Journey’s End’ is very much an ensemble piece and it would be difficult and probably rather unfair to pick out one actor over another. Each and every performance is consummately delivered." Steve Burbridge

At the Mountains of Madness

Ija Pona

★★★★★
"We were treated to a show that was true to the H. P. Lovecraft original and made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I experienced frisson during last night."

Romeo & Juliet

British Theatre Guide

★★★★
Max Lewendel’s careful direction makes perfect sense of the tricky text, finding as much humour as possible in the early comic scenes. He keeps his actors on the move, each with purpose and justified intention.
Helen Brown

Many Roads to Paradise

Uk Theatre Web

★★★★★
"For many reason this play should be seen by everyone. Drama students and theatre-lovers alike will applaud fine acting by the strongest of casts, you would pay a lot of money in the West End for a class act like this"
Gene David Kirk

Journeys End

The Public Reviews

★★★★
"Journey’s End’ is very much an ensemble piece and it would be difficult and probably rather unfair to pick out one actor over another. Each and every performance is consummately delivered." Steve Burbridge

At the Mountains of Madness

Ija Pona

★★★★★
"We were treated to a show that was true to the H. P. Lovecraft original and made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I experienced frisson during last night."

Romeo & Juliet

British Theatre Guide

★★★★
Max Lewendel’s careful direction makes perfect sense of the tricky text, finding as much humour as possible in the early comic scenes. He keeps his actors on the move, each with purpose and justified intention.
Helen Brown