REVIEW | Hamnet, Swan Theatre
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Reviewer - Hollie
*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.
Caution: This show includes: violence, strong language, scenes of domestic abuse and sex references.
World-class sell-out theatre on a stunning stage with a sensational portrayal of love, hope and family!
Opening at the newly restored Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon ahead of its London transfer, Hamnet debuted last week in its sell-out run.
The RSC’s Hamnet is the adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling novel of 2020, which became a Number One Sunday Times Bestseller in 2021 and has sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide. Adapted for the stage by award-winning actress and playwright Lolita Chakrabarti, the story follows the tale of the entire Shakespeare family and immerses the audience from the outset in their family life full of chores, sibling rivalry and financial struggles.
William’s father John, played by Peter Wight, was disgraced by the church several years ago and he expects Will, who is currently working as a Latin tutor, to bring in more money for the family as they all live in one small dwelling in Stratford-upon-Avon. Will, played by Tom Varey, can both read and write which exacerbates the differences between him and his family and his sister Eliza, as the family members struggle for power and the expectations put upon them.
The play is performed by a stellar and diverse cast who realistically and effectively tell the story of Hamnet, a tale of romance, family dynamics and tragedy. The two contrasting settlements of the bustling city of London and the wild countryside of Stratford-upon-Avon are cleverly depicted through the use of surround sound and music performed by the outstanding musicians who play a variety of instruments throughout the performance and allow the audience to believe that they are part of each scene.
Will meets a natural healer named Agnes, played by Madeleine Mantock, whose outstanding portrayal of Will’s blossoming love interest becomes the key story of the play. Will soon brings shame on the Shakespeare household when Agnes becomes pregnant very quickly with his child out of wedlock. Throughout her pregnancy, Agnes hears voices in her dreams and these signs and symbols carry on throughout the show as a way of communication between Agnes and the other characters.
Will’s parents Mary and John, played by Elizabeth Rider and Peter Wight, provide great humour throughout the performance and the actors had the audience in stitches many times. Their natural on-stage presence allows for the retelling to be told to a modern audience and the family dynamics and arguments are relatable, even though the story is set 400 years ago. The past, present and future come together all at once.
In the second act, the story centres around the relationship between Hamnet Shakespeare and his sickly twin Judith. This act portrays the women working together to look after Judith when she becomes ill, whilst the men of the family work to bring money into the household. The use of vivid imagery when tragedy strikes allows the audience within the auditorium to feel the same emotions as the characters. Both Will and Agnes see the world differently throughout the story and their reactions to the family tragedy are very different. As the family changes so does Will’s growth as a playwright and as he earns more money and status, the family dynamics and outlook change once more.
The audience surprised the cast with a standing ovation at the end of the performance and I can absolutely see why the season at the RSC is a sell-out.
Hamnet will transfer directly from Stratford-upon-Avon to the Garrick Theatre in London from Saturday 30th September 2023 until Saturday 6th January 2024 with tickets on sale now.
