12.98°C “The play’s the thing”, as Hamlet famously puts it, and here it literally is the thing! Performed at the Headgate Theatre as part of Colchester Fringe, the whole of Hamlet is brought to life by two extraordinary women (and the occasional glove puppet) in an energetic and inventive production. Based on an original concept by Mara Sherman and directed by Nora J. Williams, it has evolved from the Lakeside Theatre to the Camden Fringe and now to the Colchester Fringe. Its strength lies in the careful plotting of the characters, with the two performers switching roles with ease: a crown for the king, a scarf for Ophelia, a tie for Hamlet, so we never lose sight of who is playing whom.
The two performers are excellent. Sharmila Peake delivers a wonderful Hamlet, insecure, confident, questioning, switching tone as easily as props. She is more than matched by Deanna Strasse, both performers picking up a prop or an item of clothing and switching characters in a second. It’s a joy to watch, and the movement director, Marina Cusi, has done a wonderful job in keeping it lively and fluid. The text is spoken beautifully; we are in no doubt about the meaning or intention.
Sometimes the frenetic pace and energy push the vocals towards a shrieky element, but there is no need for this; we understand the text perfectly. Although only an hour long, there are moments when the production could benefit from taking a deep breath and letting the play rest for a beat or two. But this is a minor criticism when balanced against the emotional content of the performance. The cast always reminds us of the human cost of Hamlet’s actions.
Review by Paul T. Davies, Theatre Editor – Keep Colchester Cool
Friday 24th October – Wednesday 29th October at The Headgate. Tickets are available.
