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The RSC’s Hamlet at the Hall for Cornwall: the captivating revival of Shakespeare’s classic thriller

Joanna headed to the Hall for Cornwall for the Press Night of Rupert Goold’s vison of Hamlet, first opened last year in Stratford-Upon-Avon. With the tour revival brought to life under the direction of award-winning Sophie Drake – making her RSC debut – his version of this Shakespeare classic was in good hands.

On entry to the auditorium, you were met with the gargantuan stern of a ship, cleverly suspended from the ceiling, with a sharply-sloped section rising up from the front of the stage. A single coffin, shrouded in a Danish flag, was positioned centre-stage, immediately creating an intense atmosphere for the audience. As the show begun, the company filled the stage as silhouettes, performing a haunting funeral ritual. Es Devlin’s impeccable set design now hit you at full pace, with the walls themselves coming alive with beautifully and cleverly designed video by Akhila Krishnan. What had before appeared to be a curved black wall, was now transformed into a scene of stormy seas, with rolling waves and thunderous clouds.

With this adaptation taking place on board a ship in the late-Edwardian period, rather than the late Middle Ages, there were vast opportunities to showcase this period of opulence. One standout moment was Guildenstern’s sumptuous gown, dazzling in gold sequins. Across the board, Evie Gurney’s costume design scaled the richness of this period with great success, with clean and crisp sailors’ uniforms, Gertrude’s beautifully-detailed wedding dress, and the Players’ collection of outfits being real highlights.

Ralph Davis as the titular character was truly spellbinding. From his very first entrance, he held the audience captive on his every word and emotion, and utitilised his outstanding physical capabilities to highlight the gradual mental decline suffered by Hamlet. Georgia-Mae Myers’ Ophelia was equally challenging, but beautifully performed by this experienced actress. Welcome comedic relief was provided in spades by Richard Cant’s expert portrayal of Polonius, chief counsellor to the King.

Jack Knowles’ dramatic lighting design was the ultimate catalyst from shifting mood and atmosphere throughout the production. Taking full advantage of the full rig, with harsh colours and strong cross lines being the standout effects. Coupled with smooth scene transitions brought to life with a disciplined company and beautiful score by Adam Cork (and an extremely well-balanced table on such a steep stage!), the production surrounding the performers was truly top-notch.

Detailed care had clearly be taken by Hannes Langolf and Kev McCurdy, Movement and Fight Directors respectively, to ensure that this company moved completely with purpose and intent, showcasing a slick final product – you could easily forget that this is only the second night of this tour!

What a treat to have such a high-level, classic theatrical production choose to begin their tour here in Cornwall – don’t miss out on this captivating revival!

Images: Marc Brenner

Hamlet is running at the Hall for Cornwall until this Saturday 28th February before it heads out on its national tour. Book tickets for the Hall for Cornwall here.

For the national tour, venues and tickets can be found here.