Past Productions: 1984

In 1984 Ron Daniels wanted to suggest that there had been a great change in Elsinore since Claudius came to the throne. Gertrude and Hamlet were both representative of the court as it had been; fashionable, sensitive, a sense of flair and romanticism in the old world. The new court was loutish and this was characterised by Brian Blessed's insensitive, bombastic Claudius.

Here we have Roger Rees's Hamlet in his interview with the Ghost. The Ghost was pictured with infected skin, a vile crust covering his head. Dry ice pumped around the stage to give an eerie atmosphere to the battlements.

Here we have a picture showing the performance of The Murder of Gonzago. Brian Blessed's Claudius stands centre stage interrupting the action.

Here we have Kenneth Branagh playing Laertes alongside Frances Barber's Ophelia. Kenneth Branagh has played Hamlet on multiple occasions. The experience of playing Laertes gave him the opportunity to see this play in all its different colours, to appreciate the tragedy through different characters’ perspectives.

This is the moment where Roger Rees's Hamlet arrived back in Denmark. He is wearing the sail from the boat which he had been sent to England on. This Hamlet began as very fashionable and elegant, so the contrast at this point with a near naked Hamlet was stark.

Cast and Crew

© RSC 2009 Commentary by Nick Walton from Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, 1984 photography by Reg Wilson

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