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Wednesday 23rd - Saturday 26th November 2016
Coronation Hall, Ulverston Our November production was 'I Hate Hamlet' by Paul Rudnick. Set in John Barrymore's old apartment in New York City, the play follows successful television actor Andrew as he struggles with taking on the dream role of Hamlet, dealing with a girlfriend who is keeping a firm grip on her chastity, and playing host to the ghost of John Barrymore, who, clothed as Hamlet, has come back to earth for the sole purpose of convincing Rally to play the part. What could possibly go wrong? The cast had a wonderful time with this highly funny play, performing to fantastic audiences across the whole run. |
Press and Reviews
Our female lead, Hannah Mitchell, was featured in a great NWE Mail article before the run.
You can read the article by clicking on the thumbnail to the left.
You can read the article by clicking on the thumbnail to the left.
Review
Producer Tony Smith and the cast of "I Hate Hamlet" are to be congratulated on their successful first night of this Ulverston Outsiders' production. It maintains a good pace throughout,the American accents are sustained satisfactorily all the way through it and are credible. Arguably even more importantly, all the lines are audible! The play portrays the plight of a young American actor who has the challenge of taking the lead role in Hamlet, not without considerable reservations on his part. Thus far he has made a good living taking roles in tv commercials and distinctly non "high brow" entertainment. In his efforts to get to grips with the unfamiliar Shakespearean role, he encounters the ghost of the famous actor John Barrymore who, in his time, struggled with the part. The latter demonstrates his struggles with the demon drink by beginning Act 2 by showing that far from the world being his oyster, it is more like his drinks cabinet, by opening a globe within which has placed a bottle of champagne!
Rob O'Hara as John Barrymore provides his "mini me" Andrew Rally with an acting master class for which Andrew Rally, played by Adam Atkinson, provides the perfect foil. This is put to practical use in the fencing scene! The idea of "the play within the play" as in the original Shakespearean "Hamlet" is an integral part of what makes this play entertaining. Andrew Rally's love interest [Dierdre] is ably played by newcomer Hannah Mitchell, who will hopefully take part in future Outsiders productions. Her representation of a High School ingenue who is "still on the bench" when it comes to sexual relationships is something that helps the play maintain its momentum and interest. Colin Kendall turns in an assured performance as a commercially minded agent figure with a Jimmy Durante accent and a distinctly down to earth attitude to the pretensions of" high brow" culture. Nicky Diggle helps to foment a dramatic and spooky atmosphere with her energetic and effective portrayal of Felicia. Lillian, portrayed by Barbara Springthorpe, provides a richly poignant backdrop to Barrymore's past. All in all a very enjoyable evening which offers a good balance of humour and a chance to reflect more deeply on roles played on and off the stage.
Producer Tony Smith and the cast of "I Hate Hamlet" are to be congratulated on their successful first night of this Ulverston Outsiders' production. It maintains a good pace throughout,the American accents are sustained satisfactorily all the way through it and are credible. Arguably even more importantly, all the lines are audible! The play portrays the plight of a young American actor who has the challenge of taking the lead role in Hamlet, not without considerable reservations on his part. Thus far he has made a good living taking roles in tv commercials and distinctly non "high brow" entertainment. In his efforts to get to grips with the unfamiliar Shakespearean role, he encounters the ghost of the famous actor John Barrymore who, in his time, struggled with the part. The latter demonstrates his struggles with the demon drink by beginning Act 2 by showing that far from the world being his oyster, it is more like his drinks cabinet, by opening a globe within which has placed a bottle of champagne!
Rob O'Hara as John Barrymore provides his "mini me" Andrew Rally with an acting master class for which Andrew Rally, played by Adam Atkinson, provides the perfect foil. This is put to practical use in the fencing scene! The idea of "the play within the play" as in the original Shakespearean "Hamlet" is an integral part of what makes this play entertaining. Andrew Rally's love interest [Dierdre] is ably played by newcomer Hannah Mitchell, who will hopefully take part in future Outsiders productions. Her representation of a High School ingenue who is "still on the bench" when it comes to sexual relationships is something that helps the play maintain its momentum and interest. Colin Kendall turns in an assured performance as a commercially minded agent figure with a Jimmy Durante accent and a distinctly down to earth attitude to the pretensions of" high brow" culture. Nicky Diggle helps to foment a dramatic and spooky atmosphere with her energetic and effective portrayal of Felicia. Lillian, portrayed by Barbara Springthorpe, provides a richly poignant backdrop to Barrymore's past. All in all a very enjoyable evening which offers a good balance of humour and a chance to reflect more deeply on roles played on and off the stage.
Cast and Creative
Director — Tony Smith
John Barrymore — Rob O'Hara
Andrew Rally — Adam Atkinson
Gary P Lefkowitz — Colin Kendall
Dierdre McDavey — Hannah Mitchell
Felicia Dentine — Nicky Diggle
Lillian Troy — Barbara Springthorpe
John Barrymore — Rob O'Hara
Andrew Rally — Adam Atkinson
Gary P Lefkowitz — Colin Kendall
Dierdre McDavey — Hannah Mitchell
Felicia Dentine — Nicky Diggle
Lillian Troy — Barbara Springthorpe
