The Play’s the Thing at Wilton’s Music Hall
An impressive one-person showing of Hamlet at the ever-stunning Wilton’s Music Hall.
What happens when you try to stage a famously long and large Shakespeare play with just one actor and in just 100 minutes? In most cases, an incredible mess, one would imagine. But Director Fiona Laird has toiled hard to develop a masterful show.
The King of Denmark has died, and his brother has taken the throne. Hamlet, the former king’s son, suspects foul play and vows revenge. Hamlet slowly becomes more and more mentally unstable as he obsesses over this task, devastated by internal conflicts. When his madness reaches a peak, his uncle exiles him to England, but the story only becomes more wretched from there.
Hamlet is truly one of Shakespeare’s most crushing tragedies and one full of intense moments that require a deft acting hand. Mark Lockyer (as every single character) is that deft hand. There cannot be too many performers who can make such a show work, but Laird has found one of the ones that can, a truly excellent choice to bring her vision to life. Lockyer brings tremendous gravitas to the show, at once commanding with the air of a seasoned stage veteran but able to flick on a little comedy when it’s required of him.
The other star is the lighting. Simple enough that it doesn’t detract, interesting enough that it makes a real difference. Lighting Designer Tim Mitchell has made wonderful use of what appears to be just a few spotlights to create some excellent moments, including having Lockyer’s enormous shadow tower over the music hall.
This is not the easiest play to attempt as a one-person performance. It does take a few minutes to get to grips with and understand Lockyer’s movements and changes. But after that, it’s impressive – and interesting. The themes of madness and internal struggles are elevated with one man constantly switching personalities and talking to himself.
It may be more difficult for those unfamiliar with the plot and characters of Hamlet. Possibly for this reason, the programme does offer a full synopsis of the play, outlining every major character. But it still won’t necessarily be an easy ride.
The Play’s the Thing is an ambitious work, skillfully done. It makes for a good Hamlet, if not a little challenging. But as always, experiencing Wilton’s Music Hall is worth the ticket price alone, let alone Lockyer’s talents.
Jim Compton-Hall
Photos: Courtesy of Wilton’s Music Hall
The Play’s the Thing is at Wilton’s Music Hall from 1st until 12th April 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.
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