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HAMLET by New York Circus Project

 
Alice Eaves Review by Alice Eaves 5 Published: 4 Aug 2025 Assembly Roxy Show Dates: 30 Jul 2025-24 Aug 2025

As soon as I saw the poster for Hamlet by New York Circus Project – an acrobatic and visceral twist on the Shakespearean classic – I had a feeling it was going to be good, and I am pleased to report that my gut feeling was correct. An intricate and carefully woven tapestry of dance, poignant theatrics and sheer athleticism, if this is only New York Circus Project’s debut show, I am beyond excited to see what they do next.

A daring and accomplished Fringe debut that made me excited about seeing Shakespeare again

As one of Shakespeare’s best-known works, I was curious to see what fresh perspective the company would bring. I wondered whether the promise of “acrobatics” might just be a gimmick to compensate for a lack of serious acting and stagecraft, but what I quickly realised when the lights went down was that thoughtful attention to narrative lay at the heart of this production – and the gymnastic display of the cast only enhanced it.

Audio played a prominent role in creating an emotive atmosphere, and I applaud the sound designer(s) for their work in producing an engaging and stimulating auditory experience. Stage design was also excellent. I especially liked the triangular prism-shaped trapeze that the ghost of Hamlet’s father contorted himself through at the start of the performance – beautifully choreographed and visually arresting. Likewise, the transparent box in which Ophelia performs her final scene was an interesting and unusual portrayal of that moment, further demonstrating the director's successful experimentation with the script.

For all its seriousness, and the nail-biting tension evoked from watching the cast throw themselves through the air, there was a clear desire to bring comedic moments of relief. These were handled well and added a light-hearted dimension that was welcome. I won’t spoil them here – this show deserves to surprise you.

The actors taking on leading roles were convincing and performed with passion, but it was the ensemble cast – especially when they performed with Hamlet – that made my breath catch in my throat. I was blown away by their strength and fearlessness.

A daring and accomplished Fringe debut that made me excited about seeing Shakespeare again – which is a feat in itself – Hamlet by New York Circus Project is an excellent demonstration that there is still something new to be extracted from the classics if we look hard enough and think outside the box.

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The Blurb:

Experience Shakespeare like never before in NYCP's critically acclaimed debut production: a contemporary acrobatic spectacle weaving madness and passion into every heart-stopping moment. The ghost of Hamlet's father soars high above the young prince, Ophelia contorts in a display of agonized devotion and Hamlet himself is engulfed by madness, flipping through a tumultuous psychological landscape. This bold reimagining of the classic tragedy showcases delirium, heartbreak and betrayal through world-class acrobatics, making literature's most famous tragedy accessible, engaging and awe-inspiring for all audiences.