This blog never seems to do what I intend for it to do. Theatre reviews? Scrapped. Blogging my drama school projects? Nice try. In an attempt to keep it topped up more regularly, I’m going to turn it into a free-for-all. No guidelines. It’s about whatever I think is interesting.
Today, Hamlet is interesting. Not the Doctor Whomlet currently running in Stratford, but the Factory Theatre Company’s Hamlet, which I caught today at the Whitechapel Art Gallery. Despite being late – which meant I missed seeing all the actors assigned roles by rock/paper/scissors – I had a blast. Thier method, which you can read about in detail on their webste, is a very, very good way to make Shakespeare exciting. And it looked like everyone in involved was having loads of fun. I think, having been scarred by the one and only production of Hamlet I’d seen until now – which was seriously lacking in fun – I’m finally over my aversion to the play, which is good because it was a bit ridiculous really (the aversion, not the play). Everyone should go and see Hamlet.
The Factory company has also been blogging about its process, which is well worth a look. I can’t wait to see what they’re going to tackle next.
i’ve been watching a lot of The Shield recently, after picking up all six series on ebay for a bargain. I’m not normally into cop shows, but this is brilliant. The writing is great, the acting is great, the camerawork is great. Except now my mum has got wind of the fact that I have all of the DVDs and has snagged them for herself. I’d better not tell her about the first season box set of The Wire I borrowed off a friend…
