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Horatio & Hamlet review (Barons Court Theatre)

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★★★

For the next two weeks at Barons Court Theatre, audiences can experience Harry Reed’s adaptation of ‘Hamlet’ which is presented by Just A Regular House Productions and Series2 Theatre Company. Titled ‘Horatio & Hamlet’, the play looks at the relationship between the friends from Shakespeare’s original work, utilising the original verse, but instead honing in on the personal connection between the two characters.

Horatio & Hamlet poster at Barons Court Theatre, London

Modern time period and set design

The play is contemporarily staged and set in Hamlet’s student flat. Laura Mugford has created a warm, cosy and inviting environment that features lots of props which subtly evoke some of the themes of the play and Shakespeare’s wider topics, for example a chess board with the regal-themed pieces. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the authenticity of the set, it is slightly jarring having the story based in modern times as apart from details within the accommodation and Hamlet’s personal conflict, there is little indication of what is happening with the royal family of Denmark. It is difficult to picture what is going on outside the residence, with Horatio returning from the shops and everything seeming quite normal. In both the visuals and narrative it would be helpful to have greater clarity around the wider story of ‘Hamlet’, helping the audience to truly appreciate the creativity of the adaptation.

Horatio & Hamlet production photo | Just A Regular House Productions and Series2 Theatre Company
© Just A Regular House Productions and Series2 Theatre Company

How does it fare as a standalone piece of theatre?

It is evident throughout the play that audiences need to have an extensive comprehension of Hamlet to truly appreciate the form and narrative. Harry Reed has worked diligently with Shakespeare’s original verse to create a really thoughtful piece of theatre about the two characters, but without a strong understanding of the source material, the script is quite repetitive and does not hold weight on its own. I would like to have seen more context upfront for anyone new to the text (like myself) to prevent this from feeling like a sequel or follow up to the original, which audiences can only enjoy after becoming familiar with this specific example of Shakespeare’s work.

Horatio & Hamlet production photo | Just A Regular House Productions and Series2 Theatre Company
© Just A Regular House Productions and Series2 Theatre Company

Passionate cast performances

It goes without saying that the cast performances are very strong, most notably in the recreation of the pair’s relationship. Joseph Ryan-Hughes shares Hamlet’s many sides, particularly excelling in the more unstable moments, providing the audience with insight into the Prince’s state of mind. Furthermore, Alex Dean is supportive in their interpretation of the loyal Horatio, exemplifying sensitivity and care.

Horatio & Hamlet production photo | Just A Regular House Productions and Series2 Theatre Company
© Just A Regular House Productions and Series2 Theatre Company

Overall thoughts

In its current form ‘Horatio & Hamlet’ doesn’t quite work as an isolated piece of theatre, but with a little more thought to how prior context could be introduced, it would be an interesting adaptation of Shakespeare’s work. You can catch the play at Barons Court Theatre until Saturday 12th October, with tickets available via the theatre’s website.

Thanks for reading my blog today.

Love Kat xxxx

*My ticket for ‘Horatio & Hamlet’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.

Category:
#theatre

Comments

  1. Frances Hughes says:

    I believe you have muddled up the actors? Joseph Ryan Hughes plays Hamlet and Alex Dean plays Horatio.
    Personally as someone who has never watched or read Hamlet it most certainly does work as a stand alone piece of thestre and was a wonderful introduction to Shakespeare.I enjoyed it immensely.

    1. Hi Frances,

      Thanks so much for spotting that! I have amended it.
      I am so pleased to hear that you enjoyed it, it just wasn’t one for me personally. As I said in my review, I thought the cast performances were fantastic though and this is part of the brilliance of theatre, everybody has a different reaction.

      Kat

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