Red Rose Chain’s Theatre in the Forest at the incredible Sutton Hoo is an annual delight for many. It’s Shakespeare outside, although of course what I really mean is that it’s an unforgettable experience as Red Rose Chain is able to make Shakespeare fun and accessible in stunning surroundings which make the heavy themes of revenge, deception and the complexities of madness quite delightful!
Hamlet is a royal family tragedy. Prince Hamlet comes home to mourn the death of his father, the King of Denmark. He’s bereft, especially when his mother marries his uncle, Claudius, who takes the throne. Things get compounded when Hamlet sees the ghost of his dead father, who tells him that Claudius murdered him to steal the crown. Hamlet appears to be going mad as he wonders whether the ghost is telling the truth, whether he saw the ghost and how to get revenge. This has a dramatic effect on everyone around him, including his girlfriend Ophelia and her family. It’s a complicated, weighty, mind-twisting play (as per Shakespeare) and director Joanna Carrick and the team have taken this tragedy and infused it with an engaging high-spirited energy which completely captivates the audience.
The youthful and incredibly talented cast of eight actors bound faultlessly across the stage, shifting between multiple roles with skill and great comic timing. Their infectious, fun energy injects a freshness into Shakespeare whilst keeping the traditional script. What makes it uniquely Red Rose Chain is the madcap fun, the original songs and ditties they are able to weave into the performance which takes the audience through the emotional pain, anguish and madness from Prince Hamlet to the antics of the hilarious grave diggers. It really is a genuinely unique performance experience.
The biggest, literally, ‘star’ of the show is the Ghost of King Hamlet which is a twenty-foot tall incredible puppet, operated by three puppeteers – the cast – and its head was a replica of the Sutton Hoo Helmet which just added a wonderful touch. The first sight of the puppet coming out from behind the castle wall received an astonished gasp from the audience as it was breathtakingly stunning.
Everything is a delight when going to a Red Rose Chain production due to the talent, passion, energy, inclusiveness and clear camaraderie between the team. There is huge effort behind the scenes to create something so extraordinary, yet they all make it look easy. Yet another five stars for this year’s Theatre in the Forest.
The cast, whom all need special mention:
Vincent Moisy, Georgia Redgrave, Emily Jane Kerr, Matt Penson, Ailis Duff, Seb Yates Cridland, Rei Mordue, Joseph Russell
This production is on until 23rd August – go here for more information.
Photo Credit: Bill Jackson
With thanks to Red Rose Chain & Sutton Hoo.
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Watch some video footage: