When thinking about Shakespeare's iconic play 'Hamlet' one would not associate it with electric guitar playing, graffitied walls and use of profanities. However, Sean Holmes, the associated artistic director of the Globe's Hamlet adds these modern twists. 

Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, was written between 1599 and 1600 is a tragedy where Prince Hamlet comes back to Denmark for his father's funeral only to find that his mother, Gertrude, has married the husband’s brother, Claudius. One night Hamlet sees the ghosts of his father and commands Hamlet to get revenge, this drives Hamlet into madness in which eventually he kills Claudius. 

Sean Holmes emphasises the key theme of madness and discordance by mix-matching modern elements and archaic elements. As each of the three acts progresses the theatre elements, costume, lighting and sound, becomes more and more modern. For example, in the first act, the stage was lit with real candlights, which was managed by Anna Watson and Cleo Maynard, and by the last act the stage was lit with industrial work lights.The use of live music was also particularly interesting and unique. Similar to the modern changes in light sources, the live acoustic guitar eventually becomes an electric guitar, played with distortion, effectively keeping the audience entertained and intrigued. 

Hamlet, who is played by George Fouracres, had elements of comedy which was done purposely as Sean Holmes emphasised the importance to "acknowledge the presence of an audience in some way". In which, this was achieved partly with Fourcacre's "natural instinct for talking to and engaging with an audience" as described by Holmes. This element of comedy also adds to Holmes' unique take of Hamlet.

However, some critics strongly disliked Holmes' take on the play, for instance, Susannah Clapp from The Guardian, described it as "chaotic", and Nick Curtis from the Evening Standard described it as “willy-nilly”. The mixed review leaves it up to the individual to interpret and form their own opinion of Holmes’ controversial presentation of the Hamlet, and whether it is sacrilegious or clever.

For more information about Hamlet, please visit https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/ This production will be running from 1st to the 9th April 2022.