The opening of the new season at the Shakespeare’s Globe pairs up Hamlet with As You Like it. Here’s what critics thought of the venture….

The Guardian: *** ” In this pairing of two plays performed by the 12-strong, gender-equal Globe ensemble there is much to enjoy: Michelle Terry’s Hamlet, Jack Laskey’s Rosalind, the energy of collective endeavour. But while there is a genuine sense of a fresh start being made, the shows raise serious questions about the idea of approaching Shakespeare without a governing directorial concept.”

The Times: **/**** “You emerge from the comedy thinking you have seen something rather special, but Hamlet goes adrift.”

The Telegraph: *** “Michelle Terry’s inaugural two productions as artistic director at Shakespeare’s Globe are a mixture of the good, the bad and the plain cuckoo.”

The Independent: **** “The double bill may be lopsided but the situation at Terry’s Globe yammers with possibilities.”

WhatsOnStage: *** “There is great goodwill for Terry and her plans, but she needs to find more than good intentions and youthful exuberance if this space is to resonate with meaningful work.”

Exeunt Magazine: “The fundamentally disappointing thing about this pair of plays – and in particular Hamlet – is the incredibly synthetic engagement with the text itself – despite the claim that this is precisely the aim of the Globe Ensemble.”

Broadway World: *** “As for the plays, this is a pleasant enough opening, but process might have been prioritised over the end result. One hopes the best is yet to come.”

Evening Standard: ** “The stripped-back aesthetic has the potential to be invigorating, yet this is a Hamlet that lacks focus or any real propulsive energy and doesn’t make sufficiently daring use of the Globe’s generous space.”

There Ought to be Clowns: “A strong opening gambit then from Terry, and one which makes me quietly excited for her tenure as she further explores how inclusive Shakespeare can be for audiences both old and new.”

Hamlet and As You Like it continue to play at the Shakespeare’s Globe until the 26th August. For more information visit: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/