I Hate Hamlet to Haunt Rockdale
The Guild Theatre at Rockdale in Sydney’s south will present I Hate Hamlet by Paul Rudnick from May 12 to June 10, 2017.
Successful TV actor Andrew Rally has a choice to make – play the role of Hamlet onstage, which would challenge his creative experience and greatly please his girlfriend; or go back to lucrative, silly but popular TV soap operas. Andrew would much sooner take the soaps but the ghost of Hamlet’s great portrayer John Barrymore has other plans.
Set in Barrymore’s old apartment in New York City we witness the great Shakespearean actor’s paranormal intervention in Andrew’s decision. Fate has had a hand in landing Andrew in these haunted digs for a reason and fate isn’t going to give up easily. The spirited spectre of Barrymore embroils Andrew in rivalry and swordplay, educating him in all matters theatrical and mystical surrounding the Bard’s greatest role; but will fame, fortune and instant media coverage win out over the ancient craft of theatre and it’s more discerning audience?
Director Rachel Cliffe, veteran Director at the Guild, has chosen this play because it is about actors for actors, about choices, challenges and Shakespeare’s Hamlet. She is one for comedy with a difference and this play is full of fun and theatrical exploration.
Greg Kenyon will be playing Barrymore’s ghost straight after playing in The Little Foxes. Greg is keen to embrace this swashbuckling role – he’s had a lot of experience with swashbucklers, playing D’Artganan in The Three Musketeers and The Pirate King four times! While Greg is accustomed to wearing tights, he is beginning to wonder if his thighs are still up to the challenge!
George Gleeson will play Andrew Rally the former Hollywood soapie star who is trying to find his place in the world. This is George’s fifth production at the Guild, most recently appearing in The Underpants. George is looking forward to learning the art of sword fighting and playing a lead character again since Lillies of the Field.
Pauline Randall, plays Lillian Troy, who remembers having an affair with Barrymore many years earlier in this same apartment. Pauline says, “It is a delightful and amusing portrayal of the ‘artifice and happy dementia’ (to quote the author) of theatrical life and shows that Shakespeare can be fun.”
David Pointon plays Gary Peter Lefkowitz, a cocky, pompous TV producer. David is looking forward to playing a character with a ‘show me the money’ mindset and returning to the Guild stage after last appearing in David Williamson’s Brilliant Lies in 2010. “This is a classic hero’s journey portrayed with fun and light heartedness” David says.
“I think audiences will be in for a surprise with this show,” says Jodi Burns, who plays Deidre McDavey, Andrew’s girlfriend. The elements of magic and old Hollywood that are interwoven throughout the play fascinate her. Jodi met her partner Nathan Farrow in the Guild production Dad’s Army and they are celebrating their 10th anniversary. Happy anniversary Jodi and Nathan!
Jazz Nijjar plays Felicia Dantine, the real estate agent who claims she can speak to the dead and arranges a séance with surprising results. Jazz was last seen in The Book of Everything and is looking forward to playing a very cheeky character. Her favourite scene is where Felicia tells Deirdre that sex is great with the right guy and with the wrong guy ‘better’.
I Hate Hamletexplores the serious theme of stepping out of one’s comfort zones in the backdrop of show business through its main protagonists. Humour ensues with the wonderful mix of two dimensional characters that serve to reflect just why it is so easy to stay within one’s boundaries. Add to the plot the frustrations and romances amongst these characters and it serves as wonderful escape for actors and theatre-goers alike.
The Guild Theatre presents
I Hate Hamlet
by Paul Rudnick
Directed by Rachel Cliffe
12 May – 10 June 2017
Ticket Prices include refreshments and programme.
Adults ... $25
Concessions ... $20
Theatre Parties (20 people or more) ... $20
Bookings:9521 6358
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