Hamlet by Shakesoc x WUDS – Review:

Last month, Warwick University Drama Society (WUDS) and Shakesoc, aided by Tech Crew, put on their own interpretation of Hamlet, a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. Originally set in Denmark, the play follows Prince Hamlet, whose father has been murdered by his uncle in order to seize the throne and marry Hamlet’s mother, as he attempts to get revenge. It is the longest of Shakespeare’s plays and has inspired many subsequent literary and film adaptations, including, most notably, Disney’s The Lion King.

On behalf of The Boar, I sat in the audience of their Thursday show, where we were treated to a stand-out performance from the cast. 

Immediately upon arrival to the studio, it became clear from the professional looking set that this was going to be a high-quality production. Most eye-catching initially was the metal frame that took centre stage. While I will admit that I had some slight reservations upon first look, seeing how Maddie Atkinson (the play’s director) had used the cube as a framing tool for scenes had me taking back my words wholeheartedly. The back of the stage was also utilised very well, with the ghost of Hamlet’s father a solitary, ever-watchful figure behind a gauzy curtain: separate from the action onstage, yet always haunting the narrative.

Another production team member who should be given much praise is Ethan Palmer, the play’s fight coordinator, whose fights looked so realistic that it was difficult to believe they were choreographed. To give credit where it’s due, the cast also did a great job at selling the violence convincingly, a job that is not always easy or done well. A particular stand out moment for me was Polonius’ brutal death, as he is repeatedly head slammed into the floor by Hamlet.

WUDS’ Hamlet was stacked with a truly incredible cast, with Victor A. Daniels (Hamlet), Orla Glynn (Ophelia), Max Green (Polonius), Luke Grewen (Claudius), Elysia Sully (Gertrude), Toby Hancock (Horatio), Matthew Mullan (King Hamlet), Toby Anderson (Laertes), Charlie Muskett (Guildenstern), and Ethan Bowen (Rosencrantz) all shining in their respective roles. Equally as fantastic was the ensemble, which consisted of Rosemary Wake, Abi Guest, and Mira Baldwin.

While Hamlet is not longer playing in the Warwick Arts Centre, I, for one, am incredibly excited to see what the summer brings in terms of WUDS productions, some of which have already begun rehearsals over the past fortnight.