A closer look at Hamlet’s Programme: A shoutout to charities
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.
Write a comment
You need to be logged in to leave a comment.