I thought people might be interested in seeing this review of Old Nick’s recent production of Hamlet:

http://www.australianstage.com.au/reviews/tasmania/hamlet–old-nick-company-2648.html

Certainly an interesting take on the production, and a better form of review than some we have seen lately. And they got the lead’s name right!

(Thanks Peter)

Don’t forget that you should be thinking of what your going to present at the inaugural oneFest one act play festival. Entries close on July 12.

Can’t think of a play? How about this as a starting point. Remember, Google is your friend.

HOBART HAMLET
A COMPLETE SELL-OUT

The Old Nick Theatre Company production of Hamlet by William Shakespeare has sold out with two performances remaining. In total, five out of the eight performances in the special limited season were complete sells outs – the run ends Sunday afternoon. The other three performances had more than 85% of seats sold.

Directed by international theatre legend and expat Tasmanian John Clark, former head of NIDA (the National Institute of Dramatic Art), the show has been a phenomenal success.

“The aim of the production is to clear away everything that stands between the action and the audience so that the story is lucid and clear and keeps moving at such a pace that never for a moment will it feel like a classical period piece,” Mr Clark said.

The high numbers of students and younger audience members is testament to Clark’s vision and direction and the performances of the Tasmanian cast. “The show has clearly hit the mark,” said Craig Wellington, outgoing President of the Old Nick Company, “Especially with youthful audiences seeing their first major Shakespeare. It is great to see Shakespeare made comprehensible, compelling and so thoroughly entertaining to those who feared it may not ‘be their thing’.”

Starring much loved Hobart actor Andrew Casey as Hamlet the show features a line-up of some of Tasmania’s most established and well credentialed actors as well as several new faces.

The show has been the second hit in a month for the Old Nick Company, following within weeks of the most successful Uni Revue in the Company’s 62 year history, Obama Mia!

Said Andrew Casey, who plays one of the great roles in theatre as Hamlet (and who has received much acclaim): “Old Nick is one of those companies where no matter what production you are working on, you can be assured that everyone in the production shares a common passion for creating theatre, whether it be “Revue”, a contemporary Australian Play, a new Tasmanian work, or indeed a classical play like Hamlet.  This not only applies to the actors, but also to the production team, the crew, the committee, everyone.  If I was to put into words what that spirit is, it is to always challenge yourself and your team, to work as hard as you can, and have as much fun as you can in the process.”

John Clark, director of Old Nick’s current show, Hamlet, was interviewed for ABC local radio by Tim Cox on the Statewide Mornings program. John gives some interesting insights into his career, his time at NIDA, and Hamlet. Click here to hear the audio.

Old Nick’s production of Hamlet opens on Friday 12 June at the Peacock Theatre in Hobart. Book here or phone Centertainment on 6234 5998.

I saw the final dress rehearsal on Wednesday night, and this is the best production of Hamlet I have ever seen (yes, I am biased, but also notoriously hard to please). This is how Shakespeare intended his plays to be seen. If your only experience of Shakespeare has been bad school productions, or old black and white films, see this production. You’re in for a surprise.

Hobart has seen some amazing theatre in the first six months of the year. Hamlet continues this trend.

I’ve gushed enough. I’ll stop now.

The play’s the thing
Wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the King.

– Hamlet