Putting on a Shakespeare play must feel like a lot of pressure as expectations run high. So, when the Bristol Old Vic announced Hamlet would be on this October and November, I was looking forward to seeing their adaptation of the classic.
The play quickly feels undoubtedly Shakespearean and you are transported to Hamlet's intense world. Even if you are not a Shakespeare fan (or a non-native English speaker, like me), I found the play was easy to follow throughout.
One of the first surprises was the amount of familiar faces. This includes Hamlet who is played by Billy Howle, who Bristolians will remember for his leading role in Bristol-set BBC drama Chloe. Howle plays an impressive Hamlet as he appears to be fully immersed in the role. There is also Mirren Mack playing Ophelia who the audience may recognise from BBC show The Nest.
