To be or not to be that is the question. A production can live or die. It can find its wings and fly or come crashing to the ground. I’m so thankful to say that Point Break Theatre Co’s production of Hamlet doesn’t just live, it thrives.
I make no secret that I love Point Break Theatre Co’s work. We’re so incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to watch some of Sydney’s best talent tackle such classic theatre. It also helps that Hamlet also just so happens to be one of my favourite plays, as I’m sure is the case for many others. So, combining the two, I was in for the absolute best night.
To the set the scene, you’re ushered into a smoky theatre, the familiar yet unexpected music guides you to your seat and you know you’re in for something a little mischievous, incredibly dramatic and instantly recognisable.
We’re all aware of the story of Hamlet, right? A fascinating look into the human psyche and the descent into madness as well touching on themes of betrayal, morality and humanity. Got it? Good, lets go.
Co-Directors Blair Cutting and Paul Winchester have created what I think is their production to date, at least that I’ve seen. Every person on that stage was incredibly well cast, I could not tear my eyes from them I was so enthralled. Not only was the cast great though, but every element of the production was clearly focused on the same goal and it blended so beautifully.
However I have to start with the big guns himself, Hamlet as a lot of the heavy lifting of the show comes down to him. The role of Hamlet has been played by a laundry list of incredible actors. Such huge talent as Kenneth Branagh, David Tennant, Oscar Isaac, Benedict Cumberbatch have portrayed the role on stage and screen. Well, this list now includes Bryan Smith and what a worthy addition.
Bryan played the role with such aplomb, expertly leading the audience through his descent into paternal avengement, while keeping every moment fresh and exciting. The juxtaposition between his explosive aggression to those on stage with him, juxtaposed to the quiet reflective, almost scared soliloquies as he wrestled with his moral compass, was incredibly moving and enthralling.
Acting as a foil to him was Claudius, portrayed by Stephen Allnutt, who carried himself with the pomp and control of a villain who believes everything work has worked for him. His supposed care for Hamlet, Ophelia and his new wife Gertrude felt natural and genuine, but his anger shook the room.
Playing the opposite end of the spectrum was Jessica Williams as the tragic heroine Ophelia. She had such a beautiful innocence and a delicateness on stage that made her snap all the more heart breaking. It’s because of performances like hers that allowed other performers to rise even further. The care and anger from Rhett Wilks as Laertes, as he watched his sister slip into madness was beautiful and his vengeance felt real.
I could go on about everyone in this show but the truth is you could very clearly see the love and care that was put in by all. I do have a couple of special mentions that I do think you should keep an eye on. Des Harris as Polonius was great, he was captivating every time he walked on stage and it was easy to see how he buttered his way up to the Royal Family. His care for them and his children was evident and his death becomes more tragic.
Penny Day as Gertrude was a delight, showcasing a lovely maternal care not only for Hamlet but Ophelia and her battle between wanting to help her son but her devotion to her new husband was a treat to watch. Also, a smaller role but very much stole the stage was Majella Nolan was the grave digger. She was hilarious and commanded the stage.
Directors Paul Winchester and Blair Cutting are obviously well adept at getting the best out of their performers and when blessed with a cast like this, the levels and detail they can put into the show knows no bounds. I do have to applaud the play within a play at the end of Act 1, it was a well needed moment of levity and had the audience in stitches. I do love how truly unhinged Bryan Smith became in this moment and the young actors of Jack Stephens, Emilia Alvos and Jake Littlejohn did such a great job as the players.
I do also wish to shout the lighting by Michael Arnott, there were some beautiful moments of parallel between Hamlet and his father, as well as an excellent use of shadow, that not only helped tell the story, but also breathed a beautiful life into the stage.
When all aspects of a show are tuned in so specifically to a singular goal and vision you end up with something wonderful. Maybe you think Shakespeare is not for you, but Point Break Theatre Co continue to show that there is still a place for Shakespeare and maybe if you see one of their productions, you might just change your mind.
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