Article Date: 21 October 2015
Article Date: 21 October 2015
On Thursday 15 October, Ms Steadman and Ms Newell took their English Literature class to Cineworld to experience a live stream of Benedict Cumberbatch’s modern production of Hamlet.
The lively tragedy took place in The Barbican and was being streamed live to over 550 cinemas around the world. Cumberbatch’s energetic and emotional performance of Shakespeare’s young prince stole the show and outshone a mediocre performance from other characters. Cumberbatch is described in The Daily Telegraph as a blazing five star Hamlet trapped in a three star show.
Cumberbatch’s production is produced by Sonia Friedman and given a modern twist. The cast were seen wearing clothing not particular to the timeframe in which the play was written as well as modern inventions such as a handgun were used. The set was outstanding, as the elegant and well lit country mansion became a war zone strewn with rubble. The more cinematic view of this production truly allowed the thoughts and feelings of Hamlet to be communicated, especially his soliloquys. The use of slow motion acting in strobe lighting presented Hamlet to be thinking at a faster pace than his associates, which allowed the audience to realise that it was a soliloquys being presented.
A truly amazing performance from Benedict, with improvement from supporting roles needed. It was energetic and fast-paced that caught my attention from the start.
Millie Reeve-Wilson
A Level English Literature Student
