The stage is set with a haunting design of coats all hung above the stage, smoke fills the airy space, as the music starts with reverb. The whole audience takes its breathe, we all sense we are about to witness a unique portrayal of William Shakespeare‘s Hamlet.

The coats ascend in to the sky and the sound of an electric guitar being plugged in to an amp takes me back to jamming with friends in a studio. I feel like I’m being transported in to a recoding studio about to witness the start of an album session.

Straight away we are punched in the face, with the full set being lit up, the stage is large and bare. At the back we have 5 windows showing members of the band. We have a intimate showcase of all these talented musicians throughout the performance. Above the band we have a ledge/balcony, two windows either side, our lead vocalists Ed Begley and Megan Hill, who’s evocative tones were beautiful and chilling in equal measure. I expected nothing less with Radiohead’s; Thom Yorke at the helm of music/ orchestrations, that being said I loved the fact they were just as important and showcased like the actors from start to finish.

Enter, Hamlet (Samuel Blenkin) small in stature but large in presence; without a word being said he commanded the stage, this continued and never withered. His ability to play; madness, funny, quirky and charming all blended in to one. His whole performance showed why he was cast to play this troubled soul. His ability to poke fun at Polonius(Tom Peters), show love and hate to Ophelia (Ami Tredrea) and hatred to Claudius (Paul Hilton) were just some of the many sides we see to Hamlet, i was impressed by his range.

One of Hamlet’s highlights was a signing scene, his soprano was one of the few angelic and acute moments where we see the softer side. Ophelia (Ami Tredrea) also had a beautiful rendition and vocal performance that gave me chills. With the album being entwined with this famous play, i loved when the band and vocalists would set the mood and tone in each scene.

I felt it gave the cast support and confidence to speak those famous words we all know “To be or not to be that is the question” with more attitude and presence.

The performance was fast paced yet had moments where time seemed to slow, a huge part of this was down to the stunning choreography by Jess Williams. The movement by the cast was a real joy too watch, the fact you could see the musicians playing and the cast prancing and swaying to the sounds added huge value and made you feel part of this private event.

The scenes that stood out that encapsulated how pivotal and showcasing the power of movement were the party and play scenes. Special mention to Rosencrantz/Player King (James Cooney), Guildenstern/Lucianus (Felipe Pacheo) and Gravedigger/player queen/Bernarda (Romaya Weaver) who constantly kept the play flowing and exciting with their playful and strong performances.

The use of movement to display emotions was breath taking, even simple details like standing on the amps were poignant. The penultimate scene where Hamlet and Laertes (Brandon Grace) battle it out for their honour was enthralling. Fight Director (Kevin McCurdy) left us all on the edge of our seats, Claudius (Paul Hilton) and Gertrude (Claudia Harrison) were fully immersed in the fight, which had a fascinating way of using the Goblet to showcase the madness and sorrow this pivotal scene has. Horatio (Alby Baldwin) a constant reliable friend and guide through this journey leaves us with ” Now cracks a noble heart, Good night sweet Prince”.

The whole cast and crew were excellent from start to finish, each member adding value and commitment to their role, a lovely collaboration of artists who have come together to tell one of our most famous and cherished stories.

I would highly recommend this play, even if you are not a fan of Hamlet or even the album Hail to the thief, combined this is a truly special experience to witness in person. It blends the classic writing of one of our country’s greatest writers, one of our modern maestros and together its created a play that questions and resonates today; the struggle for Power and how death is a constant theme in society now and over 400 years ago.

With a running time of 1hour 45mins and no interval you are fully part of the play, a unique way of showcasing the talent on and off stage, this was an event that you didn’t want to miss a second of.

Christine Jones co creator and director said this piece took twenty years to make and you can see why, every detail is purposeful, whether it be a line, note or a movement the words “to thine own self be true…” spring to mind. Thankfully with a superb cast and crew she was able to bring this reimaging to life.

A great man once wrote “Brevity is the soul of wit” so in closing, go watch this play it was a haunting and euphoric experience. A huge thank you to Anja and the staff at Aviva Studios, Factory International a new and exciting venue in the heart of Manchester.