Hamlet

Review by Clare Phillips

Common Ground Theatre couldn’t have chosen a better evening to bring its production of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, ‘Hamlet’, to this woodland amphitheatre deep in the heart of the north Suffolk countryside.

As the sun began to set behind the trees on what had been the hottest day of the year so far, the air was filled with birdsong that provided a natural backing track to the performance from start to finish. Blackbirds, robins, pheasants and more were all around – all it lacked was an owl providing a poignant hoot as darkness fell and the drama intensified.

The company is known for visually striking, music-infused and highly accessible interpretations of the Bard’s work, and it excelled in every aspect with this one.

‘Hamlet’ has been part of the syllabus for many schools since long before the National Curriculum was introduced. I’d only ever seen one performance of it, as a 15 year old on a school theatre trip, and although I’ve subsequently learned that, in fact, it was a highly-acclaimed production of its day, I can recall nothing about that performance other than which of my classmates I’d sat next to. And subsequently I’d dismissed everything I’d ever known about the play from my mind almost before the ink had dried on my exam paper.

But that allowed me to watch this production with no preconceived ideas about any other interpretations of it. And within the first few minutes I found myself spellbound as, from amidst the trees behind the audience, the ghost of Hamlet’s father first appeared.

Inclusivity is a big part of Common Ground Theatre’s ethos and to this end Nathan Brocklebank, who brilliantly takes the title role, has spoken publicly about his dyslexia in relation to this production. Working with director Sadie Jemmet, he developed innovative and personalised techniques to learn the role. In a near three hour production and with around 1,500 lines of text for Hamlet’s character alone, his performance as the troubled prince was both moving and powerful.

For those studying ‘Hamlet’ at GCSE, a typical exam question might ask the candidate to discuss whether the character is ‘confused and bewildered or conniving and cunning.’ There’s no doubt that in this performance it’s largely the former, as Brocklebank presents a grief-stricken and traumatised young man who has not only just lost his father, but has also then seen his mother marry, with indecent haste, the late King’s brother.

Alongside Hamlet’s family dynamic is that of royal attendant Polonius, and his son and daughter Laertes (Jack Westgate) and Ophelia (Sophie Doyle). The three young people are at the heart of this production as they all struggle with loss, grief and the pressures they face. But all of the cast of eight worked tirelessly, with several portraying a number of characters.

There is something magical about outdoor theatre and the company made the best use of this intimate setting. The musical element added to the vibrant energy of the production – although occasionally the music did compete a little too much with the voices of the cast.

The performance was nearly three hours long – including the interval which came close to two hours into the production. I assume this may have been in order to make the most of the natural daylight, but I noticed one or two people getting a little restless after about an hour and a half. It’s certainly worth hiring one of the theatre’s innovative back rests to enhance the seating experience – or at the very least, taking your own cushion.

However, Thorington Theatre itself is a delightful experience.

Having purchased your ticket from the little wooden box office as you enter the site, there is no reserved seating. Be aware that with just a canopy of trees overhead there is no shelter from the elements – or, as in my case, being blessed with ‘good luck’ from a bird roosting in the trees (I moved after the interval, further around the seating to be less of a target).

The utmost environmental consideration has been given to the venue, with compostable toilets and refreshments largely from local suppliers including Alder Tree ice creams, Lacons’ beer, Aspall’s cider and Moatwood Gin. The theatre welcomes everyone – there were at least two (very well behaved) dogs in the audience at this performance.

Common Ground Theatre are touring with this production but sadly their night at Thorington was the only performance of this tour in, or indeed anywhere near, Suffolk. But if they return to the county again, they are not to be missed. In the meantime, catch a glimpse of this production and other elements of their work by searching for @thecommongroundtheatre on Instagram.

Hamlet was at Thorington Outdoor Theatre on 23 May 2026.

Common Ground Theatre are on tour with the production until June. Click HERE for details.