Lazarus Theatre Company to present reimagined Hamlet at Southwark Playhouse

Lazarus Theatre Company are to present a reimagined perspective to Shakespeare’s notorious tragedy of Hamlet in the New Year.

The piece will run at London’s Southwark Playhouse from 12 January to 4 February 2023.

The new, modern rendition will be framed within an urban community of youths.

Hamlet’s father is dead, and his mother remarried to his uncle who has just become King. Denmark will never be the same again.

Set within the intense surroundings of a youth group sharing their experiences with the audience, this production will slip into the storytelling of Hamlet to explore the identities and fates of the young characters introduced to us. In a dedicated effort of discovery and fulfilment, the characters conduit Shakespeare’s tragedy to uncover who they are and reimagine the monumental play in a ravishing, modern and physical ensemble production.

With only an omnipotent voice representing an eerie adult presence, Lazarus Theatre offers a fresh and diverse cast to unravel this retelling of Shakespeare’s tale. At first a trusting presence to share their stories with, this reproduction of Hamlet journeys through the corrupting and mental battles that emerge when young people become manipulated. Exploring the identity of
young people and mental health, Hamlet spirals through archaic script, physical dramatics and intricate personalities to uncover the truth within.

On the cast, Michael Hawkey makes his professional debut as the tormented prince Hamlet, alongside Lexine Lee as the fated Ophelia, also making her professional debut.

Reflecting this fresh production of Hamlet, the ensemble is joined by Juan Hernandez, newly-graduated from ALRA, and Amber Mendez-Martin, who is currently training at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and will be partnering with Raj Swamy (Billionaire Boy, Garrick Theatre; Red Joan, Trevor Nunn) to bring Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to life.

Depicting the one omnipresent adult figure will be Micha Colombo (The Tempest, Greenwich Theatre; Mother, Blood Wedding, UK Tour), with Alex Zur (Macbeth, Young Shakespeare Company; Cucumber, Channel 4), Sam Morris (Lohengrin, Royal Opera House; Christopher – Solo Show, The Pleasance/ Cambridge International Arts Festival/ Theatre Deli) and Kalifa Taylor (Look Who’s All Grown Up, The Space Theatre; Tomb King, The League of Adventure) completing the dynamic cast set to reframe the classic tale.

Artistic Director of Lazarus Theatre Company, Ricky Dukes, said: “It’s cracking to be back for our third production with Southwark Playhouse, this time taking it to the large with Shakespeare’s Hamlet! Our striking, exposed, raw, muscular, physical and punchy adaptation will be told from the perspective of the young folk of the play; the adults all gone (sort of).”

For more information and tickets, visit southwarkplayhouse.co.uk