Lyrics and Book by R.C. Staab
Directed by April Nash
Review by Esme Hallworth
How would Shakespeare’s most beloved overthinker fare in space? That is the question. Wonder no further with this glam-rock, space-situated musical take on a Bard big hit. With an original score by creative duo Daniel Sturman and R.C. Staab, the Cockpit Theatre transforms into a world where intergalactic alien puppet-led Danes are in generational beef with Norwegians, a script replete with Star Wars and Avenue Q references. After its successful first run in Norwich in 2025, Space Hamlet rockets to new heights in its London debut – strap in.
A sullen and pensive Hamlet is forced to accept Uncle Claudius as his new ‘daddy’ after his father King Ham has died. Yet when the King pays his son a visit from beyond the grave and blames Claudius for his death, the play hangs on Hamlet’s ability (or lack thereof) to reckon with the task of avenging his father. Claudius, played by Lucas Fox, is a magnetic presence on stage with (king) killer vocals and Hamlet, embodied by Nic Gordon has the characteristic smack of petulance. Gertrude and Ophelia similarly hold their own and develop a feminist alliance against their self-absorbed male counterparts. With faultless vocals and tireless physicality from puppet to performer, the audience are in safe hands to weather this tragic astronomical misadventure.
Though Shakespeare and cosmological warfare may make for unlikely bedfellows, there is some method in the madness of this space-twist. The fantastical setting and puppetry bring with them a fresh dose of whimsy to combat the camp-less bloodshed of Shakespeare’s original. Though it did take an act or two for the rock to find its promised glam counterpart, the ballads were wonderfully weird and surprisingly crass. Drag itself saves the post intermission lull, with Lewis Aves taking centre stage as Fortinbras in skin-tight bedazzled Lyrca and a bright red wig to end all wigs. There is no physical set other than that created by the puppets and multirole cast, who all come alive to create a lively and dedicated ensemble. There is a hearty whiff of pantomime to the costume and stagecraft and overall, this is a buoyant and bizarre Bowie-Bard cocktail that will no doubt go down a treat for lovers of fantasy and tragedy alike.
A Buoyant and Bizzare Bowie-Bard Cocktail
Space Hamlet runs at The Cockpit until 31st October
Running time – Two hours and fifteen minutes with one interval
Review by Esme Hallworth (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Esme is a recent graduate of University College London where she studied French and Philosophy. With vague though undying aspirations of being a wordsmith of some variety, reading, writing, music and theatre are her centre of gravity. For Esme, Edinburgh Fringe is a much anticipated and treasured time to witness human creativity at its best and weirdest and she is excited to be thoroughly bewildered once again this year.
