HAMLET PECKHAM

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Daniel Rusteau, Sharon Singh, Eva Savage, Pia Lanciotti, Max Calandrew, Gil Sutherland, Diana Gómez, Pete Collis, Izabella Urbanowicz. Photograph by Ruth Bloch

‘The cast is phenomenal’ Plays to See

February 2016

HAMLET PECKHAM PREVIEW

Plan your week’s theatre: top tickets. The CLF theatre in the Bussey Building in South London plays host to Hamlet Peckham, in which three actors (two female and one male)

play the procrastinating Dane. Lyn Gardner

REVIEWS AND COMMENTS 

Congratulations to all @shakepeckham’s gender fluid Hamlet. Will remember the quiet dignity of @danielRusteu & @urbanizabella for some time.

Kate Maltby, The Times Via Twitter

Every spoken line sounds as natural as if they were talking to their parents on the phone.  Box Dust

Wow. Hamlet at the Bussey Buildings is phenomenally good. Best Shakespeare production I think I’ve ever seen. Spectacularly good Hamlet.

Joe Cannon Via Twitter

I am not really a fan of Shakespeare but I thoroughly enjoyed Hamlet in Peckham. I sat through the performance totally engrossed. Maybe I should re-evaluate my opinion of Shakespeare.

Peter Moloney, Audience Member

I don't really know the story that well and was worried that the language would be a problem - in fact I wondered if it might be translated into modern-day English but no! 

Jane Daven, Audience Member

I have a very limited experience of Shakespeare (only ever read parts of MacBeth for O level 40 years ago!). But Hamlet at Shakespeare Peckham was a fantastic experience. The level of

acting was superb and the adaptation made the language surprisingly understandable. I am now reading the play for myself! As a way into Shakespeare I would recommend it to anyone.

Paul Collett, Audience Member

The audience is carried on this epic journey, held in the safe arms of Anthony Greens’ direction and the strength of the ensemble and delivered, in the final scenes, to a shattering climax.

Live Theatre UK

Listed as one of ‘The Top 10 Best Plays in London' 20th February 2016, alongside  The Master Builder, Old Vic, Hangmen, Royal Court, Rabbit Hole, Hampstead, Uncle

Vanya, Almeida, The Winters Tale, The Globe, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The National. Live Theatre UK

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REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

THE CAST

gripping - perfectly at home - natural - something special - cohesiveness  no weak links - charismatic - energetic - talent for the worlds biggest stages

incredible - fierce - resolve - shimmering - intelligence - gave me goose bumps in control of the text - subtle complexities - confidence  beautifully judged

hit me in a way few Hamlets have - subtleness - numerous facets -  uniformly excellent chilling -  superbly - a torrent of emotion - impressive - finely tuned - excelling - shines

THE PRODUCTION

one of the best Hamlets Ive seen - i want to see more - intriguing - highly enjoyable fresh - imaginative - great achievement - relevant - brilliant - grace - emotion

a fine production - really really really good - clarity - truth -  wryly funny

THE DIRECTOR

a unique perception - epic journey - safe arms - shattering climax a fine piece of work - each element is there to support the others

masterfully directing - instinct for excellent theatre each moment crafted with care and detail  - skilfully cultivated - simple but effective

TWEETS

thoroughly enjoyed - entertaining & energetic - must watch - utterly brilliant - inspiring brilliantly put together - amazing - floored by your performance - joyous - brilliance

alive - wonderfully nuanced - stellar - could not give heartier recommendation brave song clear. - a triumph - phenomenally good - one of the best hamlets I’ve seen

cant recommend enough - probably best Shakespeare of the year - striking taught me more than my English A Level

exhilarating performance - fantastic performance - possibly one of the best I’ve seen

AUDIENCE EMAILS

highly talented - illuminating - well known speeches striking the ear for the first time thoroughly enjoyed - totally engrossed - i should re-evaluate my opinion of shakespeare

fantastic experience - original and insightful - truly unique - very clear - a sense of aliveness bowled over - made us laugh think question and join in - Cast members all strong

loved this production - 10/10 - excellent and compelling portrayal - riveted - blown away best bit of Shakespeare I’ve been to - spell binding - gusts of life into lines I’ve never looked

twice at - reconnecting with a great work in new ways 3

THE CAST

The cast is phenomenal. The Play’s the Thing

…they are a well-oiled, energetic and charismatic bunch who have the talent for the world’s biggest stages. The Play’s the Thing

Every member of the cast, which ranges from ages 22 to 77, seems perfectly at home with the bard’s words. Every spoken line sounds as natural as if they were talking to their parents on the phone. There is never a moment in which they falter or struggle through the intricate text of the play and it appears that they are enjoying every minute onstage. Box Dust

Each member of the ensemble brings a special something to the production and the cohesiveness of the cast is evident throughout the performance. Box Dust

A very strong and diverse cast with fantastic chemistry. The Black List

In a cast diverse in ages and nationalities, there are no weak links at all. Broadway World

From the opening scene, the actors eyes light up the subtext and the language feels natural, fresh and meant. Theatre Butterfly

The actors who play Hamlet … are highly skilled and charismatic performers.  Live Theatre UK

Each Hamlet gives an incredible performance in their own right. Female Arts

The three Hamlets (Sharon Singh, Max Calandrew and Izabella Urbanowicz) seamlessly blend their interpretations whilst making each moment their own. The Play’s the Thing

Sharon Singh takes the first shift…simmering with energy and fire. Stage Seen

Sharon Singh, as the first Hamlet, clearly and confidently establishes the role, totally in command of the stage. Live Theatre UK

Singh, taking on the role first, brought the more vulnerable and emotional side of Hamlet, something that can be overlooked at times. Culture Fly

Sharon Singh opens as an intelligent, brittle Hamlet; Max Calandrew, who follows her, is energetic and nuanced; while Izabella Urbanowicz's wild-eyed final Hamlet is hypnotic. The Stage

Max Calandrew plays the central portion, with a keen intelligence and a refreshing mix of humour and clarity in his delivery. Stage Seen

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Calandrew... an exquisite example of an actor sitting in the part and delivering the truth. Live Theatre UK

Calandrew followed with a fantastic and impassioned Act II scene II speech that gave me goosebumps. Culture Fly

Calandrew's ability to portray the subtle complexities of the character to the audience, while bouncing off all of the other actors with ease, is a pleasure to watch. Box Dust

Calandrew’s interpretation who approaches the role with swagger and handles the soliloquies with confidence. Plays to See

Playing a character that is so easily quoted is never easy. How do you perform 'To be or not to be…' without being cliché or boring? Well that IS the question. Calandrew finds a way to perform the well-known speech so that it strongly resonates. Box Dust

Calandrew…is clearly in control of the text. Review Hub

The final prince is Izabella Urbanowicz, whose swashbuckling vigour is tempered by a beautifully judged and emotional closing scene. Stage Seen

Urbanowicz's unwavering, fierce and wild Hamlet that took us to the finale. Female Arts

Urbanowicz...owns the role and brandishes the character with all the poised resolve expected from ‘the solution’. She unravels as a strong, wild-eyed, feminine but tomboyish figure. A Younger Theatre

Izabella Urbanowicz...had this wild fire in her eyes and whipcrack tensile tautness to her body language. She spat out the dialogue with machine-gun anger, that collapsed into remorse. I know this tale inside and out, yet her final moments really hit me in a way that few Hamlets (or any other Shakespearian characters for that matter) ever have. London City Nights

Urbanowicz...showing her skill in a whimsical yet gripping performance. Later, in the scenes with her mother, the audience grasps the subtleness of Urbanowicz’ interpretation. Live Theatre UK

Urbanowicz skips effortlessly between angry and vengeful to softer and more vulnerable, showing off numerous facets of the complex lead character. Review Hub

Urbanowicz...flourishes as we reach the climax. Plays to See

The rest of the cast are uniformly excellent. London City Nights

King Claudius (Pete Collis) and Polonius (Gil Sutherland) both had a suave, almost gangster like nature to their characters. Culture Fly

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Pete Collis... gives an increasingly chilling performance as the ghost…but... Claudius, is where Collis is best able to flex his considerable acting muscle to give a strong characterization of the cold calculating murderer. Live Theatre UK

Pete Collis is intimidating and menacing without uttering a word. Review Hub

Gertrude (Pia Lanciotti) and Ophelia (Diana Gomez) gave evocative performances of broken women. Culture Fly

Pia Lanciotti also impresses as Gertrude. Broadway World

Gertrude (elegantly played by Pia Lanciotti). Theatre Butterfly

Two actors of individuality and particular interest are Lanciotti in the role of Gerturde... and Diana Gómez as Ophelia... Of particular note is the onstage relationship of the pair especially in the scenes concerning the death of Ophelia. Live Theatre UK

Gil Sutherland is terrific as bossy dad Polonius, with a suave mixture of courtly deference and parental authority, and he brings a gravitas to the production. Stage Seen

...particular praise going to Gil Sutherland's amusingly blithe Polonius. Sutherland pitches Polonius' oblivious analysis of Hamlet 's madness perfectly, successfully being both funny and touchingly paternal towards Ophelia. London City Nights

Gil Sutherland was superbly smooth as Polonius imbuing the character with casual fatherly affections and sincerity, and later showing slyness in plotting with Claudius to kill Hamlet. Live Theatre UK

Gil Sutherland has a lot of fun with a pompous Polonius. Broadway World

Sutherland clearly possesses a proficient grasp of Shakespearean text and delivers his lines with excellent pace and intonation, particularly when giving fatherly advice to his son (“To thine own self be true”). Review Hub

Also particularly good were Gil Sutherland in his authentic portrayal of the stately Polonius, and Eva Savage in her energy to interact with the audience, as well as in her wit on stage. A Younger Theatre

Ophelia especially is a character I love and feel connected to; there was this soft but lusting nature to Ophelia here, she wasn’t a wallflower but a pawn pushed over the edge. Culture Fly

Gómez...one look into her eyes is enough to convey a torrent of emotion that then comes pouring out in her speech. The Review Hub

Ophelia (played brilliantly by Diana Gómez)… Theatre Butterfly

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Diana Gómez's intensely vulnerable Ophelia also impresses. She crumbles almost before our eyes, inexorably heading before suicide. I've seen a whole bunch of other Hamlets where, in less-talented hands, Ophelia simply looks pathetic. Gómez captures the pathos in her misery, particularly when Hamlet psychologically steamrolls over her his "get thee to a nunnery!" routine. London City Nights

Gómez’s vulnerability throughout the play is heart-breaking to watch... she gives the audience an incredibly truthful performance of Ophelia. Box Dust

Diana Gómez excels as Ophelia, marking the tragic decline of the hopeful young girl into madness and despair with a tender sensitivity. Stage Seen

Daniel Rusteau’s calm, concerned Horatio is also impressive and finely tuned. Stage Seen

Daniel Rusteau is a warm, grounded Horatio. The Play’s the Thing

There’a also a very perky and entertaining turn from Eva Savage as the gravedigger, whose spry humour and sage observations are one of the evening’s highlights. Stage Seen

I also want to highlight Eva Savage’s comic timing, which added an effortless humour throughout. Culture Fly

...good comic work from Eva Savage. Broadway World

Eva Savage is half a dozen characters, particularly excelling as the joyful singing gravedigger. The Play’s the Thing

Particular mention goes to Eva Savage who, as the gravedigger, lends a light-hearted touch in between some dark and intense scenes. Review Hub

...wonderful interlude from ‘Second Gravedigger’ (Eva Savage - who shines in various roles throughout). Female Arts

Lastly but by no means least, Eva Savage does a tremendous job in her multiple roles. Savage plays five roles including Guildenstern and Marcellus but it is her scene as the Gravedigger in which her skills shine brightest. Savage shows a fine comedic touch and is thoroughly entertaining. Live Theatre UK

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Daniel Rusteau, Max Calandrew and Izabella Urbanowicz. Photograph by Darren Bell

REVIEWS FOR THE PRODUCTION

Listed as one of ‘The Top 10 Best Plays in London' 20th February 2016, alongside The Master Builder, Old Vic, Hangmen, Royal Court, Rabbit Hole, Hampstead, Uncle Vanya, Almeida, The Winters Tale, The Globe, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The National. Live Theatre UK

It was one of the best Hamlets I’ve seen on stage and I want to see more from Shakespeare Peckham. Culture Fly

A fresh and imaginative staging of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Hamlet Peckham succeeds in breathing fresh ideas to a much told story. To Do List

...really really really good. London City Nights

...there should be no doubting the great achievement here: a unique interpretation of one of drama’s most interpreted characters, performed with energy and commitment, expertly paced and laced with dark humour – a Hamlet one can enthusiastically sit through, which is saying a hell of a lot! The To Do List

Rejoice...in a refreshingly innovative...staging of Hamlet at the CLF Theatre in Peckham’s Bussey Building, from the Shakespeare Peckham team. To Do List

…crisp and intriguing show. Stage Seen

This is a highly enjoyable Hamlet. Broadway World

…the production is relevant. Theatre Butterfly

Deeply intense but with a tremendous upbeat and comedic attitude. The Black List

It runs at a slick two and a half hours and is delivered with great clarity, making it seem to speed by. Female Arts

It’s a lucid telling of this tale which... was engaging to sit through; a lively and unconventional production of Hamlet, made it well worth a trip over to Peckham. Female Arts

Shakespeare Peckham has created a brilliant piece of theatre from a classic script. By...finding new meaning in some of the well-read lines, they have found a new perspective on an old play. With simplistic design, good direction and superb acting this company has managed to bring the bard to life once more in Peckham. Box Dust

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It is partially the skill of the ensemble that makes a success of this production in which 9 actors play the total of 22 roles without there being one moment of confusion for the audience. Live Theatre UK

Hamlet’s story...is still very much alive in Peckham today. Theatre Butterfly

You can tell in the first couple of minutes whether the night's going to be a hit or a hash: whether the dialogue is delivered as a clumsy word salad or with rhythm, grace and emotion? The Ronseal-titled Hamlet Peckham quickly establishes itself as the latter. London City Nights

Hamlet Peckham bears more resemblance to the vibrancy and gender bending of Shakespeare’s original productions than most modern conceptual interpretations. The Play’s the Thing

There’s loads of direct address and audience interaction, as there was in Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre and as there should always be. The Play’s the Thing

Both progressive and ancient, Hamlet Peckham is what contemporary Shakespeare should be – striving for equality in cast and crew, respecting core performance techniques from original Shakespearian theatre practice, and a relaxed, flexible concept that focuses on telling the story with passion and muscularity. This production creates opportunities, showcases great talent and tells Shakespeare’s story with all the energy and life of new play. Don’t miss it. The Play’s the Thing

This is a fine production if you're new to Hamlet or, like me, never quite understood it. Broadway World.

...this production demonstrates a clarity and truth that reaches the heart of the play. Stage Seen

…pushes the boundaries of expected 21st century Shakespeare and challenges the story by giving it a different perspective. The Black List

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REVIEWS FOR THE DIRECTOR

The audience is carried on this epic journey, held in the safe arms of Anthony Greens’ direction and the strength of the ensemble and delivered, in the final scenes, to a shattering climax. This production is a wonderful evening of tragic entertainment. Live Theatre UK

Anthony Green returns to the helm, masterfully directing a talented and diverse cast (age-, colour- and gender-blind) through a satisfyingly well-paced and (for me, eye-openingly) wryly funny trip into the mind of the Danish Prince. The To Do List

Each element in this production is there to support the others in presenting the narrative. Not a word or inference is left to ambiguity. The intent and the emotional content of the story are laid open for the audience and that is the strength of Green’s direction. Live Theatre UK

What happens when a director completely disregards age, gender and nationality in a Shakespeare production, then stages it in a former cricket bat factory with a stripped-back aesthetic and fantastic performers? Shakespeare Peckham. The Play’s The Thing

Green incorporates several aspects of original practice, which prove that embracing the conventions of Shakespeare’s theatre with a fearless cast is a winning combination. The Play’s The Thing

These choices, proving Green’s instinct for excellent theatre and Shakespeare performance... work well. The Play’s the Thing

Working with Green, each moment is crafted with care and detail, but the effort only shows in the performers’ ease. The Play’s the Thing

Green has skilfully cultivated moments of comedy and light in amongst the darker scenes. Female Arts

Green’s direction is simple but effective. Nothing is over exaggerated; he finds the perfect balance between the intense tragic scenes and the small humorous moments. Being able to identify humour in lines that, initially, do not appear comedic is an incredible skill... this production of Hamlet finds the necessary humour to interject into the tragic plot. Box Dust

Green brings us a unique perception of Shakespeare’s play in a modern production. A Younger Theatre

This is the second play directed by Anthony Green for Shakespeare Peckham and it is a fine piece of work. Live Theatre UK

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TWITTER Viewable for Hamlet and Othello @shakepeckham

Congratulations to all @shakepeckham’s gender fluid Hamlet. Will remember the quiet dignity of @danielRusteu & @urbanizabella for some time. Kate Maltby The Times

Throughly Enjoyed #hamletpeckham tonight. Well done to everyone involved

Thank you for an entertaining and energetic performance. 

Hamet Peckham is a must watch.

Watched an incredible performance of Hamlet. Thanks, was blown away.

Utterly brilliant, emotional and inspiring production of Hamlet tonight. We were captivated. Thanks all round.

Excellent performance. Brilliantly put together.

Everyone should go see. it is amazing.

Floored by your performance. 

Sooo joyous to discover new pockets of brilliance in a classic.

Second (great) Shakespeare in a row.

Bringing Shakespeare’s words coherently alive in a visually pleasing Hamlet

Wonderfully nuanced performances.

Could not give a heartier recommendation to this production. Stellar performance tonight.

What a triumph. Brave. Strong. Clear.

Like no other I’ve seen. Great cast. Bold direction.

One of the best Hamlets I’ve seen on stage.

Wow. Hamlet at the Bussey Buildings is phenomenally good. Best Shakespeare production I think I’ve ever seen. Spectacularly good #hamlet.

Had a delightful evening. Shakespeare has never been so accessible.

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if your looking for something to do in London, look no further than @shakepeckham. Cant recommend their interpretation of Hamlet enough.

Very much recommend the Hamlet on at the Bussey Building in Peckham.

Very enjoyable production.

Hamlet Peckham probably best shakespeare of the year. 

Saw Hamlet Peckham yesterday and would fully recommend it. Very unique adaptation.

Shakepeckham taught me more about Hamlet last night than my English A level. Such a striking interpretation.

Bravo on a totally fantastic production. So glad we made the effort regardless of frostbite from being lost in Peckham.

Exhilarating performance from the talented cast of Hamlet. Go see it.

Fantastic performance of Hamlet tonight by excellent ensemble.

Possibly one of the best I’ve seen. Each Hamlet gave something so different.

Go and see @shakepeckham Hamlet such an amazing show. GO SEE IT NOW.

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EMAILS FROM THE AUDIENCE

I really enjoyed every moment of this performance. The performance and acting was exceptional. I loved it and am now hooked on Shakespeare. Lorraine Milne

I thought this would be another happy local amateur attempt at the bard’s work but discovered this to be the exact opposite.  Here was a highly talented professional and experienced troupe of creators providing an outstanding production.  Long may it continue! Sylvia F. Robinson

An illuminating production…the innovative brilliance of the piece, the well-known speeches striking the ear as if for the first time. Smaller roles were impeccably played: a feverishly manipulative Claudius, a smoothly devious Polonius, and a sensuous Gertrude. John Truscott

I am not really a fan of Shakespeare but I thoroughly enjoyed Hamlet in Peckham. I sat through the performance totally engrossed. This was more to do with the excellent cast and their delivery than the play itself. Maybe I should re-evaluate my opinion of Shakespeare. Peter Moloney

I took my 12 year old grandson and we were both delighted with the performance.  As it had been many years, I was a bit apprehensive, especially as my grandson had never seen a live drama before and I didn't want him to be disappointed, but my fears were unfounded.They were fantastic and really brought the tale to life for both of us. We would heartily recommend these actors and their play to everyone and look forward to future presentations. Katrina Catt

I have a very limited experience of Shakespeare (only ever read parts of MacBeth for O level 40 years ago!). But Hamlet at Shakespeare Peckham was a fantastic experience. The level of acting was superb and the adaptation made the language surprisingly understandable. I am now reading the play for myself! As a way into Shakespeare I would recommend it to anyone. Paul Collett

I so enjoyed Hamlet Peckham. The performances from the talented cast combined with the creative production made this an accessible and highly enjoyable experience. Thanks to all involved. John Beaumont

I really enjoyed it. Hilary Dobson

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Very clear, with wit and a high standard of production. BEST Hamlet, I've seen in long while. Ian Macnormandy

An original and insightful adaptation of one of Shakespeare's most performed plays, that really stood out, for all the right reason. Some incredible performances, a truly unique way of portraying Hamlet's struggle, and great engagement with the audience.  I enjoyed Shakespeare Peckham's Othello, and their Hamlet was even better - can't wait to see what they do next!’ I really enjoyed it and saw sides of the play and characters that I had never seen before, even though I studied Hamlet at A-Level and hated it!!!  Charlotte Marshall

Absolutely fantastic production. Convincing and emotional performances from all cast members. Understated and simple design and production allowed the performance to speak for itself. Michelle Smith

I have not stopped describing to friends the experience of Othello at the Bussey Building;  the quality of the acting. It was truly excellent. I loved it. Hamlet was also excellent.  We're very lucky to have access to that quality in Peckham. Margaret O'Grady, Peckham resident for 30 years.

I was lucky to catch your recent production of Hamlet and was incredibly impressed! The level of skill and passion your actors had, in combination with the sense of aliveness which filled the whole evening, I think is what I always want to feel while watching theatre.  Coco Maertens

The acting was really of a good standard and the sense of what was happening at all times shone through More please! Rix Pyke

I was bowled over by Hamlet Peckham. Excellent acting by all the cast, and a fresh innovative approach. I look forward to seeing more work by Shakespeare Peckham. Clare Colvin

Thanks for a great show. I took my 8 and and a half year old son along to see it and he really enjoyed it. My wife then took my 11 year old daughter along as she was super keen to see it after hearing her brother's recommendation. I think you might want to consider (if you already haven't) visiting all the local primary / secondary schools and getting the message out so that these great shows are also seen by a younger audience. Patrick Ludden

A very enjoyable two productions. Chris Walton

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I very much enjoyed this production of Hamlet - the quality of the acting and action was outstanding. Kay Nooney

This hamlet was phenomenal and demonstrated how Shakespeare can be made relevant to a modern audience. It made us think, laugh, question and join in. I took my 14year daughter and she was blown away. We would never have gone to the Westend to watch Shakespeare too dreary. Laura Barnard

Loved the staging. Cast members were all strong. Sue Pearce

Like Othello a few years ago at the Bussey this was superb and worth every penny or even more…well done and please make it about 4 times a year not every 3 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Smita Patel

I'm not always impressed by Shakespeare - very much depends how it's done - but I loved this production! From the moment we walked in, the actors engaged us in what was going on, and they continued to do so throughout the evening, by means of an excellent and compelling portrayal of the story. 10/10. Maria Haines

Thank you so much for an amazing theatre experience! My daughter and I thought it was brilliant. We were riveted. I was boringly apprehensive at the prospect of three Hamlets. How silly of me. It worked beautifully. It was a charming production.  Can't wait for the next one. Jane Vachman

I was absolutely blown away with it the cast. I seriously look forward to your next production as this was one of my favourite evenings out. Beth Mander

I so enjoyed Hamlet Peckham. The performances from the talented cast combined with the creative production made this an accessible and highly enjoyable experience. Thanks to all involved. Best bit of Shakespeare I've been to! Spellbinding. Brought all that stuff from school years ago vividly to life. And clear to follow! More please!  John Beaumont

What a fantastic evening! Great production. Francois Clement

Amazing performance, great actors. I am grateful to the company for giving me the chance to spend such a beautiful evening. I'd really love to see more Shakespeare played by these guys. Sofia Gargani

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This was exceptional theatre: what a privilege to have such accessible, engaging Shakespeare here in our very own Bussey Building theatre. The cast were extraordinary in the breadth and depth of the performances they gave, making the tragedy absorbing and genuinely moving. I brought Jamie, my 13 year old son, who wanted to give you his own feedback: "I really enjoyed it. It was really easy to understand, even for those not very accustomed to Shakespeare's language. I liked the funny bits too!”. A genuine THANK YOU for bringing us all this talent. Ruth Kenedy

Just wanted to say my friends and I really enjoyed your performance of Hamlet last night. Leila Lodwick

Just wanted to congratulate you all on Hamlet Peckham - I came last night. Imaginative, original, and so pleasingly gender-equal! I haven't read Hamlet for years. Your collective interpretation of it reminded me how much wisdom there is in it. And you blew gusts of life into lines I'd never looked at twice before and made them newly full of wit or horror or like we were all standing on the precipice. Huge thanks for the energy and thought and physicality and invitingness of it all, and for reconnecting me with a great work in new ways. Hope there's more to come soon! Sophie Hobson

The production of Hamlet Peckham we watched was excellent. The performances were uniformly first class, and every nuance of the script in terms of word play, tension, humour, tragedy, etc was expertly interpreted. There was a great atmosphere in the auditorium. The idea of inviting a member of the audience to say a couple of lines was a lovely touch, too. We will certainly come to see more productions. Max Fishel

It was my first Shakespearean play for a long time and well worth it... the intensity was there from the start and all the characters were utterly compelling - they were exposed with little in the way of props or costumes and that allowed a full concentration on what they were saying and doing. Anne Williams

An impressive, easy to understand modern take on Hamlet. We loved it and would definitely recommend it and future plays. Claire Arthurs

THANK YOU for another wonderful experience of Shakespeare in Peckham. Having seen Othello Peckham a few years ago I was excited. The show did not disappoint. Once again, the actors, staging, and unique take on Shakespeare's work was exquisite. Shakespeare Peckham produce work that has integrity and imagination, is accessible, and artistically brilliant. Anna Pearce

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I wasn't sure about this before going to see it. I don't really know the story that well and was worried that the language would be a problem - in fact I wondered if it might be translated into modern-day English but no! I was pleasantly surprised at how much I actually thoroughly enjoyed the show and managed to understand it all the way through pretty much. Jane Daven

We were so amazed at how clearly and energetically Hamlet was performed! Neither of us are theatre goers really, and we were afraid we might be a bit lost , but the actors were mesmerising and the the whole performance very riveting and cleverly done. I would love to see more of the same in the future,they deserve lots of praise! Sharon Katanka

This was a superb production of Hamlet with acting of the highest standard you would find anywhere. Thank you for an excellent evening. Chris Howarth

I see quite a bit of Shakespeare these days and this was a play that stood out. The whole cast held the audience really well (and I know the friend who came with me felt the same). Elizabeth Evershed

We would like to thank you for such an enjoyable production of Hamlet.  It was superbly cast and performed which made the story crystal clear. I would recommend it to experienced audiences and beginners. Congratulations and we look forward to seeing more of your work. Gillian Cavell

It was a wonderful play, the 3 alternating Hamlet roles provided an alternative perspective to the role and kept you on your toes. I enjoyed the interactive nature of the play. Thank you. Really good. Sarah Maris-Shaw

I saw both Othello and Hamlet in Peckham. I thoroughly enjoyed both productions and they have encouraged my interest in seeing other Shakespeare plays and different versions of these two. I studied a couple of plays at school many years ago, and was always afraid that I wouldn’t enjoy Shakespeare as I wouldn’t understand what was going on. The Shakespeare in Peckham productions have convinced me that this this isn’t correct. I would be very happy to go to any future productions and would encourage anyone around me to do the same. Ann Coley

We loved this show - fresh and lively, which is no mean achievement for shakespeare. We recommended to friends and relations and will definitely come to the next one - we hope there is a next! Anna Bradley

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Pia Lanciotti and Izabella Urbanowicz. Photograph by Darren Bell