HAMLET Barbican

To go or not to go? That is indeed the question. Thomas Ostermeier, artistic director of the Schaubuhne Theatre in Berlin, has said Hamlet is “dramaturgically a complete mess”, which is a bit rich coming from a director who mucks around with texts in the anarchic way he does. Much of the stage is covered in mud and, in the long opening mimed sequence, Hamlet keeps falling into his dad’s grave and eating the dirt. Lars Eidenger’s Prince looks as burly as Gerard Depardieu and it’s a major surprise when he strips practically naked to act the Player Queen and you see his lean physique and realise that he has been wearing a fat-suit. The production will appeal to those who know their Shakespeare well and are looking for theatrical flair (165 minutes without interval) and lots of jokes. Hamlet uses a table fork in his duel with Laertes. There are only six actors. Translator Marius von Mayenburg adds his own dialogue and swear words. The house lights regularly come up. Hamlet invades the stalls and occasionally speaks in English. “Leave the stage,” he says to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, “I have to deliver a monologue.” Horatio, whilst acting the Player King, wears only a crown and jock-strap. Purists should stay away