The classic tale that is Hamlet has been reborn into a contemporary musical and it tries to be a lively fun-filled show. Same story, but a different era. Shakespeare’s tragedy is set in the Kingdom of Denmark and dramatizes the revenge Prince Hamlet exacts on his uncle Claudius for murdering his father King Hamlet and then succeeding to the throne and taking as his wife Gertrude, the old king's widow and Prince Hamlet's mother.
So this modern rendition could have been an enjoyable show to watch if I had been able to hear any of the words. Poor diction from many of the cast members combined with an over-the-top percussionist meant that most of the speech could not be heard. The words are crucial in driving the narrative, especially when it comes to a supposedly humorous piece such as this, but when you cannot hear them it simply doesn’t cut the mustard.
The bits that could be heard were funny and there was a steady flow of laughter from the audience. “You can’t make a ‘hamlette’ without breaking eggs” was a favourite. There were some good ensemble work and enmass the cast looked bold in their costumes, which were mainly contemporary with the odd Elizabethan ruff thrown in for good measure. They also engaged with the audience, using the auditorium to its full potential.
The show could be worthy of more attention in a different reincarnation one day but only if stronger voices are cast and the balance between performers and musicians is addressed. This is a serious flaw, which left me increasingly frustrated as I struggled to follow the story.
Hamlet! the Musical is worth going to if you are at a loose end and you are in the area, but don’t go out of your way for this show.
