HAMLET - STRATFORD REVIEWS
Birmingham Post - Terry Grimley - August 7, 2008
"This is among the most gripping and compelling accounts of the play I have seen.
The main reason is that it has a simply electrifying performance from David Tennant in the title role, but this is an outstanding solo performance at the heart of an outstanding ensemble production." . . .
"Tennant takes licence from the fact that Hamlet is himself playing a part, and I thought at first he might be overdoing the mannerisms and funny voices, but his self-assurance is hard to resist."
The British Theatre Guide - Steve Orme - 2008
"There's an immediate hush when Tennant begins his "O! that this too too solid flesh would melt" soliloquy. His enunciation is almost faultless as he crouches down, showing the mental agony he's going through as self-pity takes over him.
Even the famous lines sound different as Tennant confidently portrays the multi-dimensional character, changing from a sceptic into an impetuous man of action and finally a hardened revenger. He extracts every possible vestige of humour from the play, making the most of his feigned madness and constantly making fun of Polonius."
Express and Star (Midlands) -Peter Rhodes - August 6, 2008
"This is something new and different. It is, quite simply, a fine actor at the peak of his powers delivering Shakespeare’s greatest part with an astonishing blend of energy, clarity and that much overworked word, charisma.
I cannot recall a theatre falling so silent as and the other principals delivered their words. ... He has immersed himself body and soul in this Gregory Doran production and the result is pure quality.
He speaks beautifully, effortlessly stressing the 400-year-old poetry.