Hamlet

Pop Up Globe’s Hamlet is a wonderful ride, that lets its audience experience the impact of one of Shakespeare’s most well-crafted tragedies, but gives them belly laughs minutes later. Performed in a replica of Shakespeare’s second Globe theatre, temporarily “popped up” at Crown Perth, Hamlet, performed in repertoire with three other Shakespeare plays allows its audiences to experience how the original presentation of Shakespeare’s work may have felt.

The stunning costumes, by designer Hannah Lobelson, transport us back to the Elizabethan era. Much credit to the actors, as the sumptuous fabrics and layering are much more suited to Denmark than a hot Spring evening in Perth. The maintenance of these costumes, under Chantelle Gerrard, must be immense, given that many finish the show covered in blood. One element of fun in this show is the anachronisms that are so cleverly and deliberately used, which jar so startlingly against the look and feel of the show.

The title role is played with great depth and conviction by Adrian Hooke, who with Jonathan Tynan-Moss (a top-notch Laertes) gives us the most stunning sword fight I have ever seen on stage, superbly choreographed by Alexander Holloway.

Madeleine Lynch lends lovely gravitas to Gertrude, a great contrast to Max Loban’s exuberant (and weirdly likeable) King Claudius. Summer Millett draws us to her fragile Ophelia, and Asalemo Tofete gives us a larger than life Polonius. Barry de Lore gives Horatio wonderful loyalty and warmth. 

Salesi Le’ota and Bryony Skillington as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and later the Priest and the Gravedigger, play well to the groundlings, and provide much of the levity in the show, but every performer is outstanding throughout.

The energy throughout all of the Pop-Up Globe performances is palpable, with a wonderful sense of occasion. Hamlet, as one of the most studied texts, should be compulsory viewing for all high schoolers, as this show would dispel any notion that this play is dull and dusty. This is dynamic and exciting theatre that is a joy to experience.

Kimberley Shaw