An adaptation for the BBC of the Royal Shakespeare’s already legendary modern dress version of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Clearly much of the column inches initially generated were down to the fact that David Tennant was playing Hamlet.
At the time he was Britian’s most popular actor thanks to his role as the Doctor in Doctor Who but its a true tour de force and Tennant proves what a great actor he really is.
Filmed on location and featuring the original stage cast the drama focuses on Hamlet having decisions to make following the murder of his father at the hands of his Uncle Claudius who is now also married to Hamlet’s mother.
production details
UK / BBC 2 – Illuminations – The Royal Shakespeare Company / 1×185 minute episode / Broadcast Saturday 26 December 2009 @ 5.05pm
Writer: William Shakespeare / Director: Gregory Doran
cast
DAVID TENNANT as Hamlet
MARIAH GALE as Ophelia
PATRICK STEWART as Claudius
PENNY DOWNIE as Gertrude
SAM ALEXANDER as Rosencrantz and Second Gravedigger
TOM DAVEY as Guildenstern
PETER DE JERSEY as Horatio
OLIVER FORD DAVIES as Polonious
EDWARD BENNETT as Laertes
MARK HADFIELD as Gravedigger
JOHN WOODVINE as Player King
RYAN GAGE as Oscric and Player Queen
SAMUEL DUTTON as Dumbshow King
JIM HOOPER as Dumbshow Queen and Priest
DAVID AJALA as Reynaldo and Dumbshow Poisoner
KEITH OSBORN as Marcellus
EWEN CUMMINGS as Barnardo
ROBERT CURTIS as Francisco/Fortinbras
RODERICK SMITH as Voltemand
ANDREA HARRIS as Cornelia
RICKY CHAMP as Lucianus
RIANN STEELE as Lady-in-Waiting
ZOE THORNE as Lady-in-Waiting
