Hamlet with Eddie Izzard

🍷🍷🍷  3 out of 5 cups of sac!

Full disclosure – I have adapted and directed two Shakespeare classics, including one called ‘Hamlet – Horatio’s Tale’ and I’d read some fairly poor reviews about this production. And as I wasn’t invited to the Riverside Studios Press Night (not important enough, loves, obs! 😀) I wasn’t able to access the extra depth that is often available then.

And to be honest, at the very start of the show, my heart sank slightly, when Izzard started that common and predictable one-person trope of hopping from one space to another to denote a new character. And her vocal definition wasn’t too good either. But, as the show progressed, she seemed to relax and her physicality with the characters became better – if still somewhat understated and lacking emotion.

To Hamlet virgins, elements of the story may not be completely clear, but the modern take on the script by Izzard’s older brother Mark, doesn’t grate. The vial of poisoned Hebanon for instance, becomes Deadly Nightshade which serves the story well enough. Although the direction by Selina Cadell is somewhat sketchy. Perhaps not surprisingly, it’s during the more comic moments that Izzard succeeds. Rosencratz and Guildernstien are portrayed by Izzards own hands and they effectively mine the comedy at various other points in the production. The sword fight near the end is possibly too long and undefined, but that’s a niggle. The set and costume are minimal but very effective – as is the atmospheric light and sound.

Izzard reveals her Fringe roots by coming on after the curtain-call asking for support.

So it’s not perfect and I can see why some of the more established media outlets and lovers of Shakespeare have not particularly liked it, but it is a theatrical experience and well worth a look. Apparently a tour is planned.

Image: AMANDA SEARLE.