So i’m fairly sure all of us who saw Hamlet walked away totally in love with the music. Most of all the piece used for Ophelia’s last scene – “Abandon Window” by Jon Hopkins.

Find it on YouTube HERE

Now, i am by no means any kind of good piano player or teacher but i figured, since it is as simple as it is beautiful, i would put together a little “how to play” if anyone wanted to try it.

I didn’t completely figure this out myself – my thanks extend to those who recognised the piece, named the piece and posted themselves playing the piece online for me to stare at and write down the keys.

I apologise to any actual musicians as i don’t really do sheet music and i wouldn’t offend you by trying. If anyone out there would like to do it and add it that would be most welcome!

I’ve put together some pictures.

Basically, each little section indicates notes that should be played at the same time. The red spots indicate left hand, and the blue spots indicate right hand. I’ve added the notes in letter form alongside each picture too.

(b = flat) & (# = sharp)

And finally, just in case you wanted to see it in practice, HERE is me playing it on my keyboard.

Please note: my keyboard is old and not a piano. Therefore it cannot physically sound as beautiful and it doesn’t have the peddles for elongated echos of notes. This is the best i could do. But it is the love of my life and i will hear no bad words said against my dusty little friend.

Also sorry that it sounds like i recorded this on the side of a road. I don’t have any special technology for this it’s just my camera…so there’s some background frizz.

Anyway, if you have any questions or i’ve made some mistakes or i make absolutely zero sense, please let me know!

You can buy Jon Hopkin’s “Immunity” album containing “Abandon Window” (or the individual song) HERE on Amazon UK. I imagine it is also available on spotify, itunes, regional amazon sites and other music/CD selling shops.

Written by Jess5_11 on 5 November 2015. No comments »
Category: Music, Theatre
Tags: abandon window, Hamlet, jon hopkins, keyboard, piano

Written by Cumberchicken on 11 October 2015. No comments »
Category: Various
Tags:

Note: This is a spoiler-free description of what’s inside the 2nd edition of the “Hamlet Souvenir Programme” avail. to buy for £8.50 at The Barbican Theatre in London or at the Barbican Online Shop with additional shipping fees. How do you define “spoiler-fee”, you may ask. That’s to say any visual details specifically regarding costumes; directional choices, music, special effects, lighting or sound. This is also a bit of a promotional advertisement thing for which neither I nor any at WATB is paid. What you’re about to read only follows an informative purpose.

Last week I’ve received mail from The Barbican and finally got my hands on Hamlet’s programme. It’s been about time, just one month away from NTLive’s LIVE broadcast of the play in 4K (Screenings and tickets information here). The 40+ pages strong introduction to this production an audience is invited to read pre-show every night includes “glossy pictures of Benedict” as ushers are reported of saying. But there’s more of course:

A synopsis of Shakespeare’s play, “Showing the age and body of the time – Shakespeare’s Hamlet” written by James Shapiro, “We Are Hamlet” written by Sarah Crompton, “Hamlet and unspeakable stories” written by Sarah Colvin, In rehearsal and on stage photography by Johan Persson, all Cast and Understudies list, running time information, Creative & Production Team list, biographies of the cast, biographies of the Creative & Production team, information on Sonia Friedman Productions, production credits including the children’s names of the publicity images, special thanks, music credits, Es Devlin’s design sketches, impressum, advertisements of other plays, The Royal Shakespeare Company & The Barbican, list of responsibles for Theatre and Dance at The Barbican as well as a closing note from Phillip Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Arts, as your night’s entertainment “is all about an incredible cast and crew with a stunning production of one of the greatest stories ever told. Have a wonderful evening.”

In case you’ve been following Hamlet’s mixed range of reviews, I find it worth mentioning Benedict’s company is not a lot of “paupers” – it’s more of the opposite when you look at the overall consent of works: Shakespeare all around, Doctor Who, Misfits, Casualty, Avengers Age of Ultron, Mr. Turner, Alice in Wonderland, Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass, Coronation Street, Batman: The Dark Knight, Downtown Abbey, The Bill, Sherlock, The Imitation Game, Doctor Strange, Oresteia, EastEnders, Law & Order, The Thick of It, Doctors, The Cenci, Silent Witness, The Bletchley Circle, Hawking, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Amazing Grace, 50 Years on Stage (National Theatre), Little Britain, Frankenstein, Midsomer Murders, Hot Fuzz, Water for Elephants, Wreckers, Star Trek: the Next Generation, The Musketeers, Friends Forever, Fields of Gold, Utopia, Partners in Crime, Revenge Office, Coriolanus.

What struck me the most about the programme though is half a page of charities Sky Arts works with and gives access to this sold-out production:

Chickenshed – Theatre Changing Lives: An inclusive theatre company and charity based in North London which creates theatre for all ages and backgrounds running outreach projects, education courses and membership programmes. Watch Lex Halaby’s insightful short film here. Chickenshed brings its theatre work into the local community such as the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. However the charity is in constant need of support via donations, volunteering and fundraising.

n.m – The Creative Society: An arts employment charity which helps young people into jobs in the creative and cultural industries. This charity works directly with the UK government to give support and advice for people setting up on their own. It fights the urgent crisis of unemployment in school leavers without a university degree by creating paid work placements.

The Big House Theatre Company: A company which recognises the vulnerability of care leavers who are at high risk of exclusion in society and gives them a space to unleash their hidden talents, hopes and dreams. Thanks to drama young people are sent on a personal journey of discovery, to experience an overall positive change in their lives and improvement of self esteem. Watch founder and theatre director Maggie Norris in a “Babylon” clip. Info on donations and how someone will benefit from your money explained here.

IMM-EDI-ATE Theatre: This charity based in Hackney and Eastern London gives marginalized young people a voice and a new perspective in life, offering an escape of boredom and unemployment through theatre that builds confidence in oneself. The charity’s name “immediate” refers to being just around the corner and available for current issues affecting locals. Watch a showreel here. Donations to this summer’s holiday drama projects can be made here.

Mousetrap Theatre Projects: This theatre education charity literally opens doors to London theatre for young adults and children who are less fortunate. This charity aims to let everyone experience the wonder of theatre, no matter their cultural, social, economic background, psychological or physiological abilities. It also provides support for these people’s teachers. If you’re aged between 15 and 23, you can register here. Donations can be placed here, info on volunteering here.

Foundation for FutureLondon: This new charity has been created to help realise the potential of Olympicopolis and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. More info coming soon on its website.

All charities can be found on social media.

Unfortunately my research of a charity called “CREATE” printed on the same page with these charities didn’t end in any results but Sky Arts cooperates with Prince’s Trust (inspiring young lives) of which Benedict is an ambassador, also. For some unknown reason Act For Change Project which offered two Press Night tickets and a signed 1st edition programme (auctioned for £1.180) isn’t mentioned either.

Speaking of charities and donations, please consider to buy Crowded House’s “Help is Coming” on iTunes in aid of Save The Children‘s Syrian Children’s Relief Fund, like the Facebook page, share the music video and or text GIVE to 61144 to donate £5 (UK only). Thank you.

Written by freewomenxgrape on 15 September 2015. No comments »
Category: Education, Places, Social & Political, Theatre
Tags: Charity, Hamlet, Hamlet Barbican, Hamlet Barbican Shop, Hamlet Barbican Souvenir Programme

It was with great pleasure that I rediscovered London‘s Globe Theatre, or Shakespeare’s Globe, in preparation of Sonia Friedman’s production of Hamlet. A remarkable building and location to put on a play I passed by almost daily during my time in the capital; most recently linked to our Hamlet in The Sunday Times and briefly presented in this documentary. While Benedict Cumberbatch & Co. still fight phones, cameras and early reviews back at home, the Globe’s Hamleteers manage a very different kind of troubles in a less closed off environment such as lost luggage, therefore lost props and costume or heavy rain to name a few. What’s all this about, you ask?

Like in 2011 and 2012 the production of “Globe To Globe Hamlet” aims to bring Shakespeare’s most famous play to all corners of the world – in over two years! Led by actors Ladi Emeruwa and Naeem Hayat, a mixed group of sixteen left London’s Globe on Shakespeare’s 450th birthday in 2014 to travel with “Hamlet”. Alternating roles to keep themselves amused along their journey, they play instruments and play both indoors and outdoors; seek an audience as diverse as possible.

“The spirit of touring, and of communicating stories to fresh ears, was always central to Shakespeare’s work. We couldn’t be happier to be extending that mission even further. By train, coach, plane and boat we aim to take this wonderful, iconic, multifarious play to as many fresh ears as we possibly can”,
says Dominic Dromgoole, Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe.

To much success the production, which will return to the UK on Shakespeare’s birthday next year, has already toured countries across Europe, Africa, the US, Australia, New Zealand and has now landed in Asia. Their current destination is Tokyo, Japan. A slightly interactive world map with future dates, countries, cities and venues can be found here. As the tour isn’t sold out, it could be a nice alternative to The Barbican’s Hamlet if you cannot make it to London yourself. Who knows, maybe Hamlet isn’t as far from you as you thought…

The Company includes actors John Dougall, Phoebe Fildes, Miranda Foster, Beruce Khan, Tom Lawrence, Jennifer Leong, Rawiri Paratene, Matthew Romain, Amanda Wilkin, Keith Bartlett and is accompanied by stage managers Rebecca Austin, Carrie Burnham, Dave McEvoy and Adam Moore.

The Creative team includes Dominic Dromgoole (direction), Bill Buckhurst (direction), Jonathan Fensom (design), Bill Barclay (music direction) and Laura Forrest-Hay (original music).

The production can be followed on Twitter / Facebook / Tumblr etc. Donations to The Globe Trust to keep things going can be placed here. Videos of the trailer and One Year Highlights.

Happy traveling!

Written by freewomenxgrape on 19 August 2015. No comments »
Category: Places, Theatre
Tags: Globe Theatre, Globe To Globe Hamlet, Hamlet, play, Shakespeare's Globe, William Shakespeare

Now that you’ve arrived in the Capital, what’s the best way to get around? There are several choices, other than your own two feet!

Here’s your first PRO TIP: carry a paper map, just in case. Batteries on phones will die, or you may run out of data allowance, or you may just want to keep costs down.

And your second PRO TIP: allow extra travel time. Getting across or through London takes longer that you may realise. The place is sprawling, busy, and there will probably be delays somewhere!

Remind yourself of the locations you need to visit by checking out The London According to Benedict Map!

The London Underground – “The Tube”

The tube is probably the most well-known of the London public transport systems.  The tube map is one of the most recognisable patterns; one thing you need to remember is that it is a stylised design, it doesn’t accurately represent the layout of the tracks, or in some cases the distance between stations.  So if you just want to go “one stop” on the tube, double check the map to see if it’s quicker to walk there!

An example of the stylised Zone 1 Tube map vs. a more accurate representation of the stations geographic locations:

Extract from the TFL PDF map (for visual comparison only)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Download all of the latest travel maps from the Transport for London (TFL) website:
https://tfl.gov.uk/maps

The Tube system is divided into Zones 1 to 9, with the majority of the Central London being contained within Zone 1.  The higher the Zone number, the further away it is from the centre.  The Zone number affects the ticket price, in terms of distance travelled.

Buying Tickets

One of the easiest ways to ensure you always have a ticket to travel within London is by having an “Oyster Card”.  This is a credit card style ticket, which you can top up with credit.  You can top up manually at stations, using the automated machines, or set up an auto-top up via the TFL Oyster website.

You use these cards by “touching in” and “touching out” of the stations used for your journey (see Using Tickets, below).

You can order an Oyster card in advance, by signing up for an account with the TFL Oyster website, and requesting one to be posted to you, or you can obtain one from any tube or rail station within London, and many local stores displaying the Oyster logo.  If you obtain a card from a station or a store, you will still need to register with the website to manage your account and payments.

The Oyster card requires a £5 deposit to obtain the card, which is refundable if you no longer require it.  You will need to return the card to Transport for London (see the website for instructions).  Each single journey (per Adult) is between £1.70 and £3.40 within the central London area, but can be more depending on the outer Zones!  But there is a daily cap on prices, so you won’t pay more than necessary within a single day (see below).

If you have a “contactless” Credit or Debit card, you can also register this card with the TFL Oyster website, and use it in the same way as an Oyster; except, of course, that you won’t need to top up the credit.

Paper tickets are available as usual, but they end up being more expensive: e.g. a single Adult ticket is £4.80.

PRO TIP – Prevent “card clash”: If you have both an Oyster card and another contactless payment card stored in the same wallet, I suggest that you remove the one you wish to use from your wallet when you touch in and out.  Many people just touch their wallet to the pad (which works fine!) but sometimes you get “card clash” (https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/oyster/using-oyster/card-clash) and more than one card may get charged for your journey.  TFL will refund when this occurs, but it’s easier to just try and avoid it.

Pay as you go Oyster allows you to be flexible with your journeys.  There’s a daily cap on fares so you never pay more than £8 (Zones 1-4) or £8.80 (Zones 1-6) in a single day.  The daily cap applies to travel on the tube, DLR (Docklands Light Railway) and buses; and other travel services which accept Oyster.

“Travel Cards”
If you know you’re going to be doing a lot of journeys over the course of a week (or longer), you can buy a “travel card” via the Oyster website, or via the ticket machines at the stations.  This will be a set price for that time period, and works out slightly cheaper per day.  This virtual travel card is then applied to your account and you will only pay that set price during the validity period.  The Oyster card switches back to a pay as you go system once the travel card has expired.  You don’t have to have separate cards for these ticket types; it’s all on the one card.

Source: Flickr

The Oyster Touch Pad. Source: Flickr

Using Tickets.

“Touching” In and Out with Oyster or a contactless payment card:
Some stations have barriers, others do not.  When using your Oyster or contactless, you MUST remember to touch the card to the yellow pad at both stations when you enter AND when you exit.  This is easy for the stations that have barriers at either end but if there is no barrier at the station, then these pads are situated somewhere along the station walkways.  You have to seek them out.

Failing to do this will mean that your fare is calculated incorrectly.  For example, if you forget to touch the pad on entry, but you do remember to touch out, the system will consider that the beginning of your journey, rather than the end, which may cause problems getting through barriers and starting your next journey.  Similarly. If you forget to touch out, the fare will be calculated at the next station you visit – which might be further away, or on a different day!

Conductors on the train will sometimes ask to see your ticket, they have a scanner which will read your Oyster, or other card, to ensure it has been “validated” for travel.

Using Paper Tickets:
Paper tickets can be bought and used as you would anywhere in the world.  To gain entry through a barrier, insert the ticket into the slot at the front, and it will pop out of the top, and the barrier will open.  If you have a ticket for a “single” journey rather than a return, then the machine will likely “eat” your ticket at the final barrier on your way out.

How to Navigate the London Underground Tunnels:

Once you’re inside a tube station, it’s pretty easy to find which platform you need to stand on.  Most platforms only go in one direction, so if you’re travelling south, go to the southbound platform for that line.  Each of the platforms will have a map detailing what routes come and go through there, specific to that platform and station.  There are constant updates on the platform, giving you the wait in minutes of the next train, and it’s final destination.

When walking to your platform, there’s usually only one way you can go, particularly down in the tunnels.  Follow the maps on the walls!

There are one or two irregularities with some of the tube lines, most notably the Northern Line (black on the map) which has two “branches”.  Some stations are only on either the East (via Bank) branch, or the West (via Charing Cross) branch.  For example, if you get on the Northern Line at Euston station, which services both branches, you have to make sure you get on the right train.

Exiting the tube stations:

Some stations have multiple exits, which send you to particular roads, intersections, or tourist attractions.  Check all the signage and maps before you leave the station, if you’re unsure.

PRO TIP – What if you get lost?  Luckily there are maps all over London.  In the event that you get turned around in the maze of streets, one of the best things for you to find is the closest Tube Station, or a local tourist attraction.  From there you can find a route back to where you need to be.  If you can’t find one of these – hail a black cab!

Buses:

All London buses are now cash free, which means you must pay for a journey with either a contactless payment card, or an Oyster card.  You only need to touch in upon boarding the bus and you will be charged a single journey fare.  The price is £1.50 for each single journey

Taxis:

If you want to get around by using taxis or minicabs, stay safe by ensuring you book with a reputable company. Use one of the CABWISE apps:

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/taxis-and-minicabs/taxi-and-minicab-apps?intcmp=4210

Emirates Air Line:

Want to get across the Thames from around the London ExCel area to the O2 Arena?  Then take a trip on the Cable Cars!  You can use Oyster on here too.  The Emirates Air Line goes from the Emirates Royal Docks (nearest tube station: Royal Victoria, on the DLR) to Emirates Greenwich Peninsula (nearest tube North Greenwich, on the Jubilee line).

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/emirates-air-line/

Getting to the Barbican Theatre

The Barbican is located between the tube stations Barbican and Moorgate.

If you alight at Barbican station, there is a bit of a walk to get to the theatre up and down stairs and along a walkway.  The theatre and other points of interest are sign posted along the way.

You can also get to the Museum of London from here, along the same walkway (sadly the Sherlock exhibition has finished, but it’s an excellent – and free! – museum with tons of history and info).

If you alight at Moorgate station, you again have a walk to get to the theatre itself, and it appears to be a bit further away than the Barbican station.

I’ve not travelled this way myself, so I assume there will also be sign posts to get you to the theatre (comments and corrections welcome!).

Useful links:

Main Transport for London Website
Oyster information and website
What is Oyster?
Sign in to your Oyster account – and find even more information
Oyster “card clash” information
Pay as you go Oyster & capped fares
CABWISE – approved taxis and minicabs
Emirates Air Line
Barbican Location
Museum of London

For book reviews, movies and events reviews, plus other crafty antics by Jules, visit crownjulesrules.com, crownjulesrules on Facebook, and follow me on twitter @crownjulesb.  Or email info@crownjulesrules.com.

Written by Crown Jules on 31 July 2015. No comments »
Category: Places
Tags: Barbican, Hamlet, London Underground, Public Transport, The Tube

Want a slightly warped but surprisingly thorough summation of Hamlet in 5 minutes? Well “The Simpsons” has got you covered.

Warning: This post will contain many a Hamlet plot spoiler. If you are avoiding knowing what happens, including many significant moments, this is not for you.

If you are familiar with The Simpsons you will know that some episodes consist of the telling of 3 stories. The episode containing their take on Hamlet is one of them. It is the 3^rd of the three stories (along with Homer’s Odyssey and Joan of Arc) taken from a “Classics for Children” book that Homer took out from the library when Bart was born. So you don’t even have to watch an entire episode, it is literally 5 minutes.

I can’t show you the episode here unfortunately but it is:

Series 13, Episode 14 – Tales from the Public Domain

And the Hamlet story begins at about 15 minutes 20 seconds in. So, if you have means of finding and watching that then I highly recommend it.

Our cast list includes:

• Hamlet – Bart Simpson
• Hamlet’s Father (do we ever know this guy’s name?) – Homer Simpson
• Hamlet’s Mother (Gertrude) – Marge Simpson
• Hamlet’s Uncle (Claudius) – Moe Szyslak
• Players – Krusty the Clown and co.
• Polonius – Chief Wiggum
• Laertes (Polonius’ son) – Ralph Wiggum
• Ophelia (Polonius’ daughter) – Lisa Simpson

Also with a small appearance from Rosencarl and Guildernlenny (my personal favourites).

So there are no points for high levels of accuracy in this adaptation but we’re not really expecting it from 5 minutes of a cartoon. But it is, as I say, surprisingly thorough. We have Hamlet’s father telling him of his murder, Hamlet using the play to see if his uncle is guilty, awkward situation with Polonius leading to more avenging (quite the theme in this play), Ophelia gets a brief moment and it ends with a room of dead people.

As with many other classic tales and stories (a lot of my general knowledge was gained from growing up with what I call the Simpsons Education) they have some fun but they do it well. We get a story told with relative accuracy but still in keeping with the characters we are familiar with!

Written by Jess5_11 on 27 July 2015. No comments »
Category: Film & TV
Tags: Hamlet, simpsons, the simpsons

“Looking for answers to life’s big questions…”

One of the best things about this book (possibly apart from the fantastic humour) was that it was a bit of a twist on this kind of thing. Sometimes these sort of “coming of age” or “learning harsh lessons about life” books can come across quite cheesy and predictable and trying a bit too hard to be “deep” about life and growing up, but this doesn’t do that at all because it’s written so well.

The theme around knowledge (or maybe in highlighting the difference between knowledge and wisdom) is wonderful. Each chapter starts with a little University Challenge style question and answer that sets up the chapter to come – a fun little feature.

Our main character is Brian Jackson, the book is written from his point of view. He’s certainly worthy of our lead character. He has such a wondrous innocence and optimistic expectation that can be found in someone entering their first year of university. But again this isn’t done to the point of cheesy naivety, he’s very relate-able and very aware of just how awkward he is. All we can do is helplessly watch as he stumbles through life one cringe-worthy situation after another. You really do want better for him than he earns for himself.

It’s quite difficult to describe the style of the book but you’ll understand if you read it. Maybe the exclamation “oh Brian…*shakes head in somewhat amused second-hand embarrassment*” helps. It’s also filled with lots of laugh out loud moments, the humour is really, really fantastic! Caused a couple of awkward moment when reading this book in public.

The rest of the characters are equally brilliant. Quite a range of people and lots of strong personalities but (and i know this point is repeated a lot here) not unrealistic. Which makes them entertaining and interesting and of course invites a lot of unlikely friendships and maybe less unlikely clashes.

From personal experience it seems a lot of us Cumberfans are more familiar with the film than the book so just to mention some bits of film comparisons quickly.

It’s fun to have seen the film before reading the book as it lets us visualise the characters in a way we’re was familiar with but in fairness each of them are described very clearly, so they are easy to visualise on their own. All of the character translations from book to screen are pretty much spot on which can be a rarity at times. The biggest difference you may notice is in the character of Rebecca who is wonderfully portrayed by Rebecca Hall. Not in personality, but she seems to have quite a different look to her character on the page. Also she’s supposed to be Glaswegian. Not sure why that changed but *shrugs*.

The rest of your changes are that of your classic ‘book to screen’ adaptation. If you are familiar with the film there may be moments reading when you think “gosh are they really going to change this that much?” but then reading further will find they haven’t really changed things at all, just made things a bit more convenient. Cutting bits of different events into one event, merging some smaller characters together, dropping of a few non plot essential story-lines and moments etc. But nothing that leaves you totally outraged.

Do give this book a read if you get the chance! Highly recommend. It has a really great structure to it that made it a really comfortable read and it’s amazingly real and entertaining!

The book can be found on amazon.com HERE.

It’s also available on other sites/in shops/on regional amazon sites.

Written by Jess5_11 on 25 July 2015. No comments »
Category: Books
Tags: david nicholls, starter for 10, starter for ten

So, we know that many of you are coming to London for Hamlet this summer. London is my favorite city and I am sure you guys will be blown away by what it has to offer. Our staff writer a_shibs and I have decided, that we want to make your trip planning a bit easier and therefore, we have created the London According to Benedict Map!

We have created a map that shows you Benedict’s filming locations in London and many of the places he’s mentioned in interviews. The films, shows and places can be toggled on and off and the map is viewable on mobile devices. It is by no means exhaustive, but it should give you a nice idea of where many Cumberbatch related locations are. Why not put together your own personal Cumbertour and go on a photo safari with other fans?

I hope you enjoy our little map. Let us know if we have missed an important place!

Written by Cumberchicken on 15 July 2015. 2 comments »
Category: Film & TV, Places, Theatre, Various
Tags: Benedict Cumberbatch, Hamlet, London, Map, Parade's End, Sherlock, The Imitation Game, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

No Fear Shakespeare – Hamlet. How I LOVE this book. Love love love love. If you are new to Shakespeare and a bit daunted by where to start your reading, get THIS book. Because its simplicity and the execution of its concept are just wonderful. Left page: Hamlet as written by Shakespeare. Right page: Hamlet translated into plain English that anyone can understand.

By offering this straightforward side by side comparison of the original and a much more accessible text, the book does exactly what it sets out to do: It takes the Fear out of Shakespeare. Granted my former Uni professors would probably throw such a book at me, but I have studied a few of Shakespeare’s play and still find many parts of his work baffling or hard to understand. He makes tons of references or uses puns or wordplay that would have been easily understood by an Elizabethan audience. But many concepts and meanings have been lost or altered over the years, as language and the cultural context have changed and evolved. This book allows you to relish the Shakespearean language, while giving you the option to quickly look something up, if a certain phrase or word trips you up. Or you can just read the play in plain English first to get a feel for it and to fully grasp the plot. The book also gives context when certain references could be a bit hard to understand for contemporary audiences.

An clever little paperback, which I will probably sneak into the Barbican ‘just in case’. Required reading for any Hamlet novices.

No Fear Shakespeare – Hamlet is available on Amazon UK and Amazon US. Somebody who’s a lot clever than me has also found this online version.

Written by Cumberchicken on 15 July 2015. No comments »
Category: Books, Poetry, Theatre
Tags:

I am still trying to get my head around Hamlet. And this DVD has helped A LOT. This is a filmed version of David Tennant’s Hamlet featuring Patrick Stewart and it is glorious! You can buy it here on Amazon UK or here on Amazon US.

I think many of us are very fond of Tennant. The energy he brings to all of his roles is electric and works a charm in his portrayal of the Danish Prince. This filmed version of the play, which was perviously performed in Stratford by the Royal Shakespeare Company, once again illustrates a very important point about Shakespeare’s work: it was created to be acted, not to be read. So while Hamlet may seem confusing on paper and Shakespeare’s wonderful language can be a bit overwhelming when you read it, seeing it being performed is a completely different experience. I put this DVD on, switched on the subtitles (because yes, I do find it hard to follow spoken Shakespeare at times) and after about 10 minutes I had almost forgotten that I was listening to Elizabethan English. The words take on a much more accessible form when they are being performed by talented actors. The scenes are acted out so brilliantly by the cast , that the complexities of Shakespeare’s language soon take a backseat and you can truly enjoy its beauty. I particularly loved Tennant’s version of the ‘To be, or not to be’ soliloquy. It is absolutely heartbreaking and touched me so much more than reading it ever had.

What is also so wonderful about this version of Hamlet is how completely batshit crazy David Tennant’s Hamlet appears to be. He screams, yells, jumps around, grimaces, lounges on chairs. But his scheme is always obvious. It really makes you wonder how over the top Benedict’s Hamlet will be and it will be quite a challenge to top Tennants “madness”.

The whole production is absolutely stunning. The set is all black and glossy (you can learn about how and why they chose to dress the set like that in the Behind the Scenes feature) and incredibly elegant. The clothes are beautiful and I loved how ‘mad Hamlet’ ignored the royal dress code and spent the bigger part of the play lounging around in this fetching t-shirt.

I can’t wait to see how they are going to dress Benedict. I absolutely adore this modern take on the setting and the costumes, as it once again proves how truly timeless Shakespeare is. It goes without saying that Patrick Stewart is absolutely perfect as Hamlet’s uncle Claudius. And so is everybody else in the cast. I particularly loved Oliver Ford Davis as a bumbling Polonius and Penny Downie as Hamlet’s mother Gertrude. Her scene with Hamlet in Gertrude’s bedroom (famously known as The Closet Scene) is breathtakingly intense and I can’t wait to see how they handle the scene at the Barbican this summer.

I really think that the easiest way to get to grips with Hamlet and to prepare for the play is watching an excellent performance of it. Being able to skip back and forwards and to have subtitles is a huge advantage. And listen to the commentary if you’ve got the time, as many scenes are explained and explored further and you get a lot of additional context. I can’t recommend this version of Hamlet highly enough!

Written by Cumberchicken on 12 July 2015. No comments »
Category: Film & TV, Poetry, Theatre
Tags: Barbican, David Tennant, DVD, Hamlet, Patrick Stewart, Shakespeare, Theatre