Simon Stone’s Hamlet coming to Belvoir

It’s classic for a reason: The timeless Hamlet, the enduring human tragedy, one of Shakespeare’s best works, is like a beacon to every new generation of theatremakers. This time, it’s Simon Stone’s chance to turn the skull over in his hands and drop poison in the king’s ear.

For Stone’s first time directing Shakespeare (can you believe it?) he is going in with a promise to ruthlessly attack the text. He also comes armed with strong leading man in Toby Schmitz, darling of the Sydney theatre scene of late of, fittingly enough, STC’s brilliant production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. His Hamlet is sure to be a compelling creation.

Emily Barclay (Strange Interlude) will play Ophelia and ‘theatrical royalty’ Robyn Nevin (Angels in America) and John Gaden (The Seagull) are Danish royalty as Gertrude and Claudius.

Greg Stone (Babyteeth) will take on the clownish Polonius and Anthony Phelan (Strange Interlude) as becomes the ghost of old Hamlet.

Thomas Campbell (Downton Abbey) and Nathan Lovejoy (This Year’s Ashes) will make their Belvoir debuts as Laertes/Guildenstern and Rosencrantz respectively.

This production puts a powerhouse cast in a room with an iconoclastic and incisive director and one of the greatest scripts of all time. Even Belvoir admits that they don’t know what will come out the other side – but aren’t you just dying to see?

Hamlet plays Belvoir St Theatre from 12 October through to 1 December. For more information, or to book, call 02 9699 3444 or visit belvoir.com.au.