REVIEW: Waiting for Hamlet at the Tabard Theatre 18 March- 4 April 2026
‘great chemistry between the actors and thoroughly entertaining’ ★★★ ½
A thoroughly enjoyable performance, Waiting for Hamlet, a comedic extension of Shakespeare’s pre-existing play “Hamlet”. When the performance first started, the scene of Hamlet's death played off the classical elements of comedy. The many witty remarks to the original Hamlet and dramatic death, followed by the many failed attempts to poison Hamlet create a very simple comedic plot, that is easy to follow.
The 70-minute performance, does not drag and has perfectly timed comedic moments to keep its audience entertained. Tim Marriott, who also starred in The Brittas Empire, plays the role of old King Hamlet, a royalist character who embodies theatrical moments of speech and is criticised for his old-fashioned royal methods by his fool.
Nicholas Collett, who has performed for the Royal Shakespeare Company, plays the role of the fool, whose position juxtaposes with his role as he guides the king on his travel out of the ghostly field.
Both actors show great chemistry on stage, bouncing off each other’s characters and harmonising perfectly for the audience. The costumes of the characters were simple yet effective. King Hamlet wore a simple royal outfit of yellow and grey, complementing his crown. The stage mise en scene was subtle, consisting of only a chest and two boxes, both characters were able to make the most of their set and perform without a lack of imagination.
Waiting for Hamlet is a seemingly low-cost production that embodies many of Shakespeare's undertones while staying in a modern form, a well-educated yet hilarious performance, not only for fans of Shakespeare.
A thoroughly enjoyable performance, with great applause awarded. The pub attached to The Tabard Theatre has a charming beer garden at the entrance to the theatre. With tickets from £19.50, the performance is well worth its price if you are a person of interested in classical comedy. Waiting for Hamlet, is a timeless piece of theatre.
Waiting For Hamlet by David Visick,
Tabard Theatre, 18 March- 4th April
Take Note theatre /Smokescreen productions
A Shakespearean comedy by David Visick
Directed by Tim Marriott
Performed by Nicholas Collett & Tim Marriott
