Edited and directed by Fiona Laird for a single performer across 90 minutes, Hamlet takes on a startling new intensity in The Play’s the Thing at Lighthouse Poole on Friday 16 May.

We see Hamlet’s inner demons as never before. The prince, powerless against a tide of selfishness and injustice, loses his grip on reality. But if he really is mad, then is this story a figment of his broken imagination, and the other characters merely voices in his head?

This Hamlet started life when Fiona saw Mark playing two parts simultaneously in 2021’s Take Off Your Cornflakes at The White Bear Theatre, London and was subsequently developed at the National Theatre Studios. 

Revenge, suspicion and family intrigue light up the stage in a powerful, concise version of perhaps Shakespeare’s most personal play starring Mark Lockyer, thought by many to be one of the finest classical actors of his generation.

Without the usual accoutrements of complex set, costumes and other actors, the play, and Shakespeare’s words, truly sing out – all the timeless phrases we know so well given a new meaning seen through the prism of one soul. 

Expertly edited to 100 minutes straight through whilst losing none of the plot, characters or treasured quotes, as Hamlet himself says: “The play’s the thing.” 

What they say

“I cannot remember receiving Hamlet with more open ears and more abandon, such is Mark’s absolute commitment to and mastery of this timeless classic.” Rufus Norris ex Artistic Director Royal National Theatre 

“I was completely blown away by 100 minutes of theatrical perfection.” Audience member, New Diorama Theatre, April 2024

Regeneration Theatre presents THE PLAY’S THE THING A one person Hamlet 

FRIDAY 16 MAY 8pm (SHERLING STUDIO)
Age guidance: 14+

Tickets and information 01202 280000 

www.lighthousepoole.co.uk