 | 24 September 2014 |
|
| ´óÏó´«Ã½ Homepage | | |
| |||
| Contact Us | | |
ReviewsYou are in: Suffolk > Entertainment > Theatre and Dance > Reviews > Carnal, bloody and unnatural acts…  Hamlet and Queen Gertrude Carnal, bloody and unnatural acts…By Kate Arkell Rendlesham Forest was the venue for a very polished first night performance of Hamlet by the Red Rose Chain Theatre. Listen to ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Suffolk features about Red Rose Chain's Hamlet:
Audio and Video links on this page require Realplayer It took me quite a while to realise I was actually watching a Shakespearian play, such was the skill with which the actors approached this production.ÌýIt was slick, fun and very easy to understand.Ìý  The opening night audience Warm welcomeFrom our arrival at the Forest Centre (which, by the way, you don't get to by following the signs to Rendlesham village as I found to my cost) we knew we were in for a special evening, as members of the cast met us at the gate to direct us to the car park.Ìý The whole set up was very well organised, with a tier of seating for those who'd forgotten their chairs. A couple of words of warning before I get down to the real reason we were all there: 1) if you have got your own chair try and get close to the staging area, we missed some of the gags by being a bit too far away; Humour and tragedyThe show itself was great, moving swiftly from moments of laugh out loud humour to real tragedy.Ìý Jimmy Grimes performed the lead role with huge confidence, stripping back some of the most frequently repeated phrases of the English Language (to be or not to be..) and filling them with emotion.  Bernardo and Francisco Elinor Lawless impressed in both her roles – there were moments of great light relief from her and Dan Starkey as Bernardo and Francisco, and as Ophelia she portrayed the journey into madness brilliantly. PersonalityIn fact, no one let the side down at all but a special mention should also go to the team of young actors who that made up the visiting players, they filled the stage with personality. The Red Rose Chain's stamp on William Shakespeare's play was very evident – but never took anything away from the original story.ÌýA few eyebrows may have been raised at the inclusion of the old spiritual Dem Dry Bones but it actually worked really well.Ìý Highly recommendedThe only thing that slightly spoilt the performance for some was the constant hum of aircraft above, although it's not something the company can do anything about and it didn't really spoil my enjoyment of the play.  Lord Polonius and Ophelia I'd highly recommend this Red Rose Chain production – and if you're put off by the fact it's Shakespeare, don't worry!ÌýIt really is easy to follow and you can always refer to Hamlet in a Nutshell in the programme! Hamlet is on in Rendlesham Forest until 26 August. last updated: 15/08/07 Have Your Say
I saw Hamlet and I thought It was brilliant so I did work experience with them. I helped make a short film called 'Touching Road'. The experience I had with them has made me more determined to do something in acting when I'm older!
A great and enjoyable show, It was made easy to understand, with great actor playing the part the hole day went well with what it seem with no mistakes. WE were greeted with freindly people. Overall it was great night out love to come and see the next show x x x
I went on the 16th of Aug, the play its self was very good i understood most of it :). Must have as recomented is mozzie spray i now have 6 lovley lumps on my head, also bring gloves as your right its very cold, but it dosent spoil the play.All in all very good.But on another night we went to the forist for a walk and we were told by a cast member we could not walk though to the walks, not the casts fault but was shocked by a cast members attitude when my mother asked to u use the toilets, i was shocked at his attitud and felt that i didnt wont to go and see another red rose production if this is there attitude to wards the genral public, and who also mention they had already seen the play. But on a lighter note it was all done very good, its a shame that it was spoilet when i was not a paying custmer and she a member of the public.
I was in the audience on the first night and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a brillant production suitable for all ages. The kids in front of us were absorbed and laughed in all the right places. The production was well suited for an introduction to Shakespear to what is quite a difficult play for a newcommer to the bard.
I was lucky enought to be there last night and agree completely with Kate - Fabulous performances by the cast and really enhanced by being in the forest which was very dark by the end!! Do get there early with your picnic and chair so you can`bags' a spot towards the front, although there is some staged seating for first come first served. Cover up against those mosquitoes as well! The aeroplanes didn't really bother me too much .... You are in: Suffolk > Entertainment > Theatre and Dance > Reviews > Carnal, bloody and unnatural acts…
This week's top 3 most listened-to tracks in Suffolk: |
| | About the ´óÏó´«Ã½ | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy Ìý |