From its sell-out run at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre comes a film version of this unique and critically acclaimed production of Hamlet with BAFTA-nominee Maxine Peake in the title role. This ground-breaking stage production, directed by Sarah Frankcom, was the Royal Exchange's fastest-selling show in a decade.
Acting
Peake's Hamlet is feral, funny, and finally makes sense.
Direction
Frankcom's in-the-round staging breathes claustrophobic life.
Production
Minimalist modern dress, maximum psychological damage.
Director
Sarah Frankcom
Maxine Peake
Hamlet
John Shrapnel
Claudius/Ghost
Barbara Marten
Gertrude
Gillian Bevan
Polonia
Thomas Arnold
Horatio
Katie West
Ophelia
Claire Benedict
Marcella / Player King
Peter Singh
Guildenstern
Jodie McNee
Rosencrantz / 2nd Gravedigger
Ben Stott
Bernardo / Osric / Player Queen
Tachia Newall
Francisco / Reynaldo / Priest
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This production helped spark a wave of gender-flipped Shakespeare in UK theater, proving the text holds more when you stop assuming maleness as default.
The Royal Exchange's in-the-round staging meant no actor ever had their back to the audience for long—Peake reportedly rehearsed until physically exhausted to build Hamlet's restless energy.
GB
