HAMLET (SHAKESPEARE IN PERFORMANCE)

The audio CD with this edition of Hamlet contains a series of unique recordings to illustrate how different actors place their own interpretation on the play. Hear Sir Laurence Olivier as Hamlet in 1948 and compare this to Simon Russell Beale’s performance in 2003. There are also superb performances from Ellen Terry, John Barrymore, Richard Burton and Emma Fielding.

The text is illustrated throughout with photographs from notable productions to bring the play to life in the classroom. There are scenes from a range of productions including Kenneth Branagh's 1996 film and Michael Almereyda's 2000 version, Simon Russell Beale in New York City and Roger Rees at the Royal Shakespeare Company. The book also takes you behind the scenes with reproductions of set drawings, costume designs and scene edits, including drawings from a 1934 production directed by Sir John Gielgud.

As well as the playtext, there are articles covering a range of topics including ‘In Production: Hamlet through the Years’ by Terri Bourus, ‘Hamlet in Popular Culture’ by Douglas Lanier, ‘A Voice Coach’s Perspective on Speaking Shakespeare’ by Andrew Wade and ‘In the Age of Shakespeare’ by Thomas Garvey.