HAMLET is regarded as the one play that any actor aspiring to become one of the greats must tackle. It's a marathon of a part. It also requires a marathon commitment from the audience with a full running time of 4 HOURS! And yet... it remains one of Shakespeare's greatest plays. This course is going to help you understand why, to lead you through the "slings and arrows" of the imagery and the plot and leave you with a greater understanding of a play that is constantly being reinvented, even after 422 years.
Course aim
An in depth study of the play HAMLET as performance text. Looking at different aspects of the play and how it has been interpreted in recent years.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
- If you enjoyed my course on Shakespeare this is a course you will enjoy.
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Discuss the various elements that make up the play of HAMLET
- Talk knowledgably about HAMLET's production history
- Have a greater understanding of Shakespearean language and imagery
- Consider what make a great HAMLET performance - and maybe decide on a favourite
- Tell the best HAMLET jokes!
What else do I need to know?
Most materials will be provided but it would be helpful to have seen the filmed productions of Kenneth Branagh's HAMLET and David Tennant's HAMLET
View full course information sheet
Shakespeare: Hamlet - Play as performance text with Alison Warren







