Hamlet Apps
I guess we are all aware that Benedict will be gracing the London stage as Hamlet and I am sure I speak for all of us when saying that we can’t wait! Cumberbatch will star as the Danish prince at the Barbican Theatre from August to October 2015. Tickets will go on sale this May and can be expected to be in demand. No need to fret, however, as the Barbican venue is enormous and ticket prices will probably be rather reasonable. I am optimistic that we will all get to see Cumberbatch in action, live on stage (how incredibly exciting!).
Benedict Cumberbatch as Rosencrantz in a scene of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead for the celebratory National Theatre: 50 Years on Stage production.
But August 2015 is still quite far away an we have loads of time to familiarize ourselves with Shakespeare’s most well-known play Hamlet. Or let’s just say with the play that is most well-known in the sense that each and every single person will be able to quote that one famous line from it. I guess it’s high time we take a closer look at the play and I have two handy app suggestions for that. Yes, apps. I do own a lovely antique copy of Shakespeare’s work, but it took a Shakespeare app to get me to actually read Hamlet. A bit embarrassing really.
The first App I can suggest is simply called Shakespeare (iTunes) it is completely no frills: all of Shakespeare’s works in one handy app, free and with a useful integrated glossary. This app is perfect to have a first look at the play and give it a quick look in lunch breaks, at the bus stop etc.
And then there’s Hamlet: Explore Shakespeare by Cambridge University Press (iTunes) a real gem of an app and a treat, even for people who really know their Shakespeare. It offers an in-depth look at Hamlet with a full audio performance, production photographs (including photos of David Tennant, Michael Sheen and John Simm), extensive glossaries and explanations, timelines, notes etc. The app does cost £4.99 but is well-worth forking out on as it offers such a rich educational experience.
Both apps are available for iPad and iPhone and in most Apple App Stores. These exact apps are not available for Android but I know that the Google Play Store offers a wide variety of Shakespeare apps and would be very grateful for Android app suggestions in the comments. Please also add any other Hamlet or Shakespeare related app recommendations you might have.
Happy downloading!
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