Hamlet

Shakespeare’s most iconic work, Hamlet explodes with big ideas and is the ultimate story of loyalty, love, betrayal, murder and madness. Hamlet’s father is dead and Denmark has crowned a new king. Consumed by grief, Hamlet struggles to exact revenge, with devastating consequences.

From its sell-out run at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre comes a film version of this unique and critically acclaimed production, with BAFTA nominee Maxine Peake in the title role. This groundbreaking stage production, directed by Sarah Frankcom, was Royal Exchange’s fastest-selling show in a decade.

“As a director I think you can only begin to think about doing Hamlet if you are absolutely passionate about a particular actor. Right from the beginning of this production it felt like a thrilling opportunity to explore, excavate and interrogate something with Maxine Peake, the most fearless and most courageous actor that I’ve ever worked with.” ~ Sarah Frankcom

Hamlet is brought to cinemas by film director Margaret Williams, whose Written on Skin (Royal Opera House/BBC) won many awards including the Diapason d’Or. The film version of Hamlet is produced by Anne Beresford and Debbie Gray, the team behind the highly praised Peter Grimes on Aldeburgh Beach, which Margaret also directed.

“I was delighted to work with such an incredible team on this astonishing project. Being able to shoot creatively with eight cameras ‘in the round’ enabled us to capture the spirit of the play and create a visceral and cinematic experience.” ~ Margaret Williams

production designer: AMANDA STOODLEY
lighting designer: LEE CURRAN
composer: ALEX BARANOWSKI
sound designer: PETER RICE
movement director: IMOGEN KNIGHT
fight director: KEVIN MCCURDY
camera supervisor: JAMES DAY
sound supervisor: CONRAD FLETCHER
colourist: KEVIN HORSEWOOD
editor: STEVE EVELEIGH