Hamlet at Kronborg Castle

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Text adapted from Claire Clausen’s 'To see or
not to see – that’s not much of a question!',
The Copenhagen Post, 11 – 17^th September 2009
 

Tickets were sold out within minutes of going on sale and there were many who tried and failed to see the latest production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet at Kronborg Castle. It was a real shame for them because they missed probably the best production of Hamlet this century – well at least so far this century.

As the sun began to set and the wind died down, the group of 43 lucky members met under the British Chamber of Commerce banner in the outer ramparts of Kronborg Castle, with their windbreakers, blankets, woolly hats, rugs and cushions. The weather had looked threatening all day but it cleared for the performance and although temperatures were probably below 10 degrees, the audience was spellbound for the entire three hours of the performance and at times completely forgot to feel cold.

Many had come to see Jude Law, the handsome, film star leading man, and were probably very glad to be able to read the subtitles in Danish. Shakespeare, even for the most knowledgeable aficionados, can be impenetrable at first.

But once he appeared as the troubled prince of Denmark, it was clear that this actor was one of the finest Hamlets ever to walk the courtyard of the Castle. His vocal clarity and projection was consistent, he was agile and full of energy, he shared his terrible torment of grief and anger with the audience, and he played the mad fool so brilliantly that the audience could relax and laugh despite the tragedy.

The supporting cast too was of the finest calibre, so that there wasn’t a moment when the tension slackened, despite amusing capers from Polonius and the gravedigger, played by the same actor.

All in all, an outstanding performance by Jude Law, and a fine production by Donmar Warehouse Theatre. This was followed by a warming drink inside the castle after the performance, and the opportunity to meet each other, the host, Lars Romann Engel, Queen Gertrude, played movingly by Geraldine James, and King Claudius played Kevin McNally. A very special ending to probably the best cultural event of the year.