By Graham Hiley.
To see or not to see? That is the question.
This production of Hamlet at the Minerva Theatre is utterly compelling viewing. That is the answer.
When you think about the vast number of high-quality shows staged in Chichester over the past 63 years, it is astonishing that this is their first ever production of this masterpiece. But it was worth the wait!
With Olivier award-winner Giles Terera in the title role, this is a must-see even for those who might have struggled with Shakespeare at school.
The Bard’s works were never meant to be read or recited – especially not in a classroom. They were intended to be performed on a stage where they really come to life.
I studied Hamlet at A Level and hated it – but I was completely gripped by this masterful telling of a tale of ambition and betrayal as the Prince of Denmark seeks to avenge the murder of his father by his own brother who then marries his widow with indecent haste. Think The Lion King – but without the songs. Or the jokes.
With a body count to make it the mediaeval equivalent of a Die Hard movie, this could be grim viewing. But under the masterful direction of Justin Audibert, it is magnificent in every aspect.
Clearly the star attraction is Terera, the original Aaron Burr in the West End production of Hamilton. It was a role which brought a host of accolades and awards – and this exhausting and exhilarating performance is every bit as powerful and charismatic.
It is a true tour de force with anguish etched across his haunted face as he perfectly captures Hamlet’s tortured troubles while his life spins out of control.
Yet he also conveys a mischievous sense of fun particularly when goading Polonius superbly played by Keir Charles who was brilliant as Chris Tarrant in Quiz at the Minerva Theatre back in 2017.
Here he gets just the right balance of smarm and charm to provide a much-needed lift to the mood with his fawning attempts to marry his daughter Ophelia into the royal family.
Being a Shakespeare play, of course she descends into madness and kills herself – and Eve Ponsonby is completely convincing in her portrayal which sends shivers down the spine even as the other major characters prepare to meet their doom.
Ariyon Bakare is commanding as the King complete with red right hand following the murder of his brother. Hostage star Sara Powell unravels as the Queen in heart-breaking fashion before (deliberately?) drinking the poison intended for her son during his brilliantly choreographed sword fight with Laertes.
Incidentally, Hamlet’s rapier opponent is played by Ryan Hutton who was Rodney in the West End musical of Only Fools and Horses – a case of swapping one kind of fencing for another!
With such a high-quality cast it was something of a surprise that this is being staged in the smaller Minerva Theatre but it is a genius move making the production much more claustrophobic and atmospheric.
In this intimate and immersive environment, every tortured expression can be seen close-up; every anguished whisper heard clearly. The split-level stage and clever use of lighting also serve to heighten the tension almost to breaking point.
There are occasional lulls where it drags slightly but for the most part, the three and a bit hours fly by such is the pace of the piece.
But be warned, the first “half” is an hour and 40 minutes long.
To pee or not to pee – that really is the question!
Hamlet runs at the Minerva Theatre until October 4. www.cft.org.uk
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