Hamlet in 15 Minutes

I’m not usually a fan of rushing Shakespeare, even for comedy – not because the text is deserving of reverence and contemplation (though it is), but because there’s so much packed into the language. Of course, careful editing is often helpful for 21st century audiences, but slashing a three hour play to fifteen minutes must be missing something, surely?

Undeterred by protesting purists, Peter Goers has done just that. The man himself narrates the story, his six-strong, multi-role troupe spinning us between famous soliloquies, sword fights, and melodramatic deaths. The beauty of playing more than one character in a Shakespearean tragedy is that you get to die more than once, and the woman who plays Ophelia (amongst others) makes the most of this: I’m not sure if it’s her or the audience who gets the most pleasure from every grunt, scream, and contortion as she goes.

You can still enjoy this if you’re not sure about Shakespeare – the physical comedy is amusing enough – though you will enjoy it a lot more if you’re familiar with the play, which Goers and his wonderfully diverse cast are. If you turn up expecting a deep examination of Hamlet’s psyche and the relationships with his complicated family, you’re going to be disappointed: it is silly, but a lot of fun – surely the Bard would be chuckling in the corner at this? Even if you’re already convinced you don’t like Shakespeare, then you still might find this show amusing – it might even change your mind!

It’s a great concept well executed: with multiple shows in Holden Street’s venues and hugely varied audiences waiting for them, having such a comedic diversion a few steps away ‘while-you-wait’ is a brilliant exercise in entertainment and marketing.

Mark Wickett

To check out or round-up of Adelaide Fringe reviews, click here.