REVIEW: HORATIO & HAMLET at The Barons Court Theatre 1 - 12 October 2024

‘some clever ideas, but just fails to be truly compelling’ ★★ ½

Adapted by Harry Reed, this take on the friendship between Hamlet and Horatio keeps the language of Shakespeare whilst updating the setting to a present day dilapidated student flat.  Many key moments are covered including some of the famous soliloquies. 

There are many commendable aspects to the play, including a believable connection between the young men, which at times helps to bring the story to life and to show off the deep philosophical and existential themes.

It is finely directed by Harry Reed, with some clever ideas, such as the scene wherein Hamlet distractedly digs out pieces of apple with his fingernail and creates a skull. Later on, he jokingly announces to Horatio, that it is Yorick. Cue the ‘Alas poor Yorick’ speech.  There’s nothing clunky about the transitions which are seamless considering the vast amounts of the play which are left out.

The lighting and sound are also to be commended, with a television lighting up the room, and creepy blue light denoting the presence of the dead King. Sound is very sparingly and effectively used. At one moment a snippet of sound denotes the passing of time. A tiny detail but perfectly formed. These are some of the things that this company, Just a Regular House, does really well. Attention to the smallest details has singled this company out as one to watch.  

However, on this occasion tackling a play from one of the greatest playwrights of all time, in one of the juiciest roles in the cannon, might be a little too soon for this company. Joseph Ryan-Hughes as Hamlet gives it his all, with a kind of mania, but it is just a little one note and lacks enough internal light to make it seem real.  Alex Dean as Horatio is a terrific foil, clearly showing moments of fear, as Hamlet seems about to assault him. Whilst for most of the play he is phlegmatic, he also shows genuine concern and sympathy towards his troubled friend. Nevertheless, it just fails to keep the attention, when lines like these, and the story they tell, have the potential to be truly compelling.

Box Office https://app.lineupnow.com/event/horatio-hamlet