Hamlet - Olivier Theatre

Hamlet

Early in 2010 it was finally confirmed that Rory Kinnear would be appearing in the end-of-year production of “Hamlet” at The National Theatre. It was an announcement that was met with great anticipation thanks to frequent rumours that had attached him to the lead role for many years. The production finally opened its doors at the end of September and as of January 2011 remains at its home of the Olivier stage of the Southbank venue. So London theatre audiences still have the opportunity to make the journey to the venue and catch the acclaimed actor – a veteran of the RSC and a Laurence Olivier Award-winner – in one of the most famous roles in theatre.

Shakespeare’s classic play sees the Prince of Denmark – Hamlet – take some drastic actions when he learns some shocking news. At the beginning of the story he is away from his home and is visited by the ghost of his father – the King – who has been killed at the hands of his brother – and Hamlet’s uncle – Claudius. So he heads back home to avenge his father’s death and upon his arrival is surprised to see the Queen – his mother – married to Claudius. But his revenge is far from put by the wayside and he continues with his plan. However, his actions are to have a devastating effect on his kingdom and upon his family.

Rory Kinnear has appeared in a wealth of roles over the years, with his appearance in “The Man of Mode” at the National Theatre earning him a Laurence Olivier Award. His other credits include a previous appearance as “Hamlet” at the Old Vic in 2004, “Burnt by the Sun” at the National Theatre and “Measure for Measure” at London’s Almeida Theatre. Meanwhile, his screen roles include such fare as “Quantum of Solace”, “The First Men in the Moon” and “Waking the Dead”.

As “Hamlet” closes in January 2011, the season of shows appearing at the National continues to flourish across the year with another anticipated production arriving in February. Danny Boyle is set to return to theatre-directing with Frankenstein on the Olivier stage whilst environmental-documentary piece Greenland is also on the horizon.

Hamlet, meanwhile, continues on the Olivier stage of the National Theatre until Wednesday 26th January 2011.