So the biggest theatrical event of the year has finally opened for previews at the Barbican and for either those who have been lucky enough to get tickets or those who haven’t here’s a look at what to expect from the show…
Directed by Lyndsey Turner, this production of Shakespeare’s play Hamlet stars Benedict Cumberbatch in the leading role. When tickets went on sale last year, they were sold out in minutes although a number of tickets are being sold on the day (but be prepared to line up for ages if you are thinking of going!).
The show is running for a limited twelve weeks at the Barbican theatre, finishing on the 31st October. It has been produced by Sonia Friedman Productions and features set designs by Es Devlin.
Starring alongside Mr Cumberbatch, the cast includes: Leo Bill, Sian Brooke, Anastasia Hille, Ciaran Hinds and Jim Norton.
Shakespeare’s play is set in a country that is preparing itself for war but one family is already tearing itself apart. Forced to avenge his father’s death, Hamlet is led down a dark and dangerous road that threatens his sanity and his country’s security…
It has already been announced (I’m sure many people have already found out) that Sonia Friedman in association with Sky Arts has allocated 100 tickets at £10 for every public performance. But there have also been four education matinees that have been added to the run -exclusively for schools and university groups. There will be 100 tickets priced at £10, 300 at £25 and the remainder at £35.
If you are unlucky enough not to get tickets, then don’t despair the production will also be broadcast in cinemas around the world on Thursday 15th October as part of National Theatre Live.
Now I don’t want to tease those who are reading this too much but having seen it on the first night I can say that it is one of the best Shakespeare productions I have ever seen. 😉
For more information on the show then I recommend that you visit: http://hamlet.barbican.org.uk/
*I will write up my thoughts on the show which I saw on Wednesday night but technically it won’t be a review as things may have changed since I saw it. My thoughts will go up on the 26th August – just after press night if you are interested.*