Ad - We were provided with press tickets in March 2026.
Royal Shakespeare Company, Hamlet is performing at Newcastle Theatre Royal this week.
I love going to the theatre but have somehow made it to the age of 42 and have never watched a production of Hamlet. My preconceptions were that it was a long, wordy play. However, like a lot of us, I absolutely adored the recent film Hamnet which is entwined with the famous Shakespeare play and I wanted more!
I’ve watched a couple of Royal Shakespeare Company productions before including the Merchant of Venice, a Midsummer Night’s Dream and more recently, Matilda and the quality has always been exceptional so if I was going to watch any production of Hamlet, I feel like this was the best choice.
Need to know:
📆31 March - 4 April 2026
🫶Chilled (perfect for those who may need to leave the auditorium with ease and those with dementia), captioned, audio described with touch tour and BSL interpreted performances are all available (see link for dates)
⌚2 hours 45 mins including interval (Act One 1 hour 25 mins / Interval 20 mins / Act Two 55 mins)
⚡Triggers: Loud music & noise, haze, flashing lights, smoking, themes of death, violence & grief.
🎫Tickets available from £13
✅Recommended for ages 12+
🎟️Book: https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/rsc-hamlet/
My Review:
Starring Ralph Davis in the title role, Hamlet is a tragedy following Prince Hamlet as he seeks revenge on his Uncle (who murdered Hamlet’s father and married his mother to seize the throne).
This version of the famous Shakespeare play is given a bit of a twist and is set on a sinking ship in 1912 (before you ask, it’s not a Titanic crossover).
The full stage is the hull of the boat (and occasionally we venture below deck). Sea storms, tilting decks and swelling waves really add to the drama of the story and there’s a real feeling that danger is always lurking around the corner. There is nowhere to escape (other than overboard of course - which is the fate of several shipmates). The tension definitely builds in this one!
I know some people reading this may be thinking that Hamlet isn’t for them. But I would urge you to give it a try. It's pretty easy to follow and the scene changes are fairly paced with no over lingering or long stints in one scene. Hamlet was written over 400 years ago but it doesn't feel that way. The intricacies and messiness of family, the questions around life and death and dealing with grief are all just as relevant today.
Occasionally Hamlet will have an aside with the audience and connection between us and the stage is a strong one. It's almost as if we’re on board that sinking ship too.
I'm not usually a fan of the use of video and digital media on stage but it works incredibly well here as a media wall behind the set changes between night and day and we helplessly watch as the sea levels creep higher and higher up the screen and with the addition of an occasional flashing digital clock, we really get a sense that time is running out for Hamlet to decide his fate.
This is a tragedy but it's actually pretty funny in parts. The line delivery, comic timing and physical acting as Hamlet slowly drives himself insane provides some light relief. The character of Polonius was a hoot.
The acting is flawless. A special mention has to be given to the ghost of Hamlet’s father who certainly has an edge about him. But it's Ralph Davis as Hamlet who steals the show. Impeccable performance.
It’s actually kind of nice getting lost in the words of Shakespeare and escaping everyday life for a few hours.
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