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Shakespeare in the Garden: Cheer up Hamlet Reader's Review
Shakespeare in the Garden: Cheer Up Hamlet
Primary Times reader quote
"I laughed all the way through, I liked the songs the best"
- Anna aged 7
It is difficult to imagine how a play as gloomy and commanding as Hamlet could be adapted into a musical comedy suitable for children but Captivate Theatre have completed this tricky task with aplomb. Applying the same successful format as in Brave MacBeth the accomplished troupe use music, song, physical theatre and sparkling dialogue to introduce the young audience to the words and characters of the famous Bard.
The tortured protagonist sets out to avenge the murder of his father King Hamlet at the hands of Claudius who has since seized the crown and married Prince Hamlet’s mother Gertrude. With the help of his trusted friend Horatio we follow him as he plots the slaying of Claudius. The clever script combines the original language with a modern twist – Ophelia reads Harry Potter and blocks young Hamlet on Facebook and Twitter while Queen Gertrude texts on her mobile. The energetic cast use much of the venue as a stage with the performers frequently running down the aisles and Polonius spends most of his death scene lying on the theatre seats to the delight of the watching children.
This skilful production appeals to adults and children alike. Jake (age 9) loved it and his favourite part was how bored Horatio was when Ophelia was singing. If to go or not to go is the question then the answer is definitely in the affirmative.
Suitable for ages 5 and above.
Reviewed by Louise Wilson 9 August