This is a thrilling, epic production. I was even a bit scared at times as there are elements of horror and blood pumping dramatics. The set and video designs are amazing. It’s very long but doesn’t drag. I was thrilled to once again see Luke Treadaway on stage and I have to say I would love to see him play the title role. Definitely not to be missed.
Count me as one who adored this production and found Lawther to be quite wonderful. He IS a very youthful Hamlet, and I found his take refreshing. I’ve seen a good dozen Hamlets (Ralph Fiennes was my first), and this was my favorite production of the play I’ve yet encountered.
Saw this yesterday, and it only ran 3:20. To anyone who's seen it: how does act 1 end? Yesterday, after Claudius runs out of the play, a stagehand came out and told the audience that they were taking a 15-minute pause. At the time, I thought it was part of the production, but seeing how short it ran, I was wondering if there was a technical problem that I didn't realize resulted in something being omitted. Also, I noticed a pic in the NYT review with Hamlet in just his underwear, which definitely didn't happen yesterday, so I'm looking for some insight.
Regardless, I loved it anyway.
TaffyDavenport said: "Saw this yesterday, and it only ran 3:20. To anyone who's seen it: how does act 1 end? Yesterday, after Claudius runs out of the play, a stagehand came out and told the audience that they were taking a 15-minute pause. At the time, I thought it was part of the production, but seeing how short it ran, I was wondering if there was a technical problem that I didn't realize resulted in something being omitted. Also, I noticed a pic in the NYT review with Hamlet in just his underwear, which definitely didn't happen yesterday, so I'm looking for some insight.
Regardless, I loved it anyway."
That’s how Act 1 ended when I saw it, so probably not a technical problem at your performance. I seem to recall my performance ran about 3:35, though, so it sounds like something might have been cut from the performance you saw.
I don’t remember Hamlet being in his underwear at any point. It’s been over a month since I saw it, and my visual memory is not great, but I think I would remember that.
Good to know, thanks!
They have significantly shortened the overall run times originally announced for both shows. I think a good chunk of this is the result of quite draconian intermission lengths (and start time for the first acts). The program says that Oresteia runs 3:55; it's running 3:35. It runs like a Swiss watch. When the 15 [and then 10 for the 2nd intermission] minute first intermission ends on the clock, the play moves from the interlude (there is action before each part starts). And then the 3rd "break" is only 5 minutes.
I found the placing of the action in real time, as well as two other arcs that proceed throughout that I won't describe, quite effective.
Selling a very last-minute ticket for a friend who can't make the 1 p.m. show of Hamlet today. $25, and I have the PDF, which can be shown on your phone, to forward. Great seat in row M, premium section.
Updated On: 8/10/22 at 11:20 AMVideos