Review: The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present: Hamlet, Tyntesfield – ‘An unforgettable evening’

The foreboding >95 per cent chance of a downpour raises a few eyebrows as I tell my in-laws it’s a completely open air performance of Hamlet. “They don’t cancel unless it’s 40 degrees,” I reason. “Well good luck then!”, they say behind smiles as the rain turns horizontal outside.

Unperturbed, and freshly armed with two camping chairs, coats and umbrellas, off we went to see the Lord Chamberlain’s Men performance at Tyntesfield; tonight’s scenic location for the imaginary Shakespearean Elsinore, set in medieval Denmark following the king’s death and the usurpation of the throne by his brother.

This famously hardy cast of performers, the UK’s premier all-male Shakespearean troupe, now going for 20 years, is a modern recreation of the Bard’s original company of the same name. They play no-frills performances pared back to their Elizabethan essentials, just as theatregoers would have seen them, in the open air, no stage lighting or sound effects.

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, Hamlet at Broadway Tower – photo: Jack Offord

They take whatever the night sky might throw at them, which fortunately for both them and us, was suitably dry and atmospheric. As we drive down the tree-lined entrance, with low lying black clouds rolling towards Bristol, the ghost of Hamlet’s father stalking through the fog of Elsinore Castle suddenly doesn’t seem that far away.

The all-male cast welcome us to the simple backdrop, set in front of the wing and chapel of the imposing gothic Victorian house, surrounded by a magnificent forest of stately mature trees.

Without much further ado the players begin with a short barbershop quartet number and transport us to the Danish court, and Hamlet, who hears from his father’s ghost that he was murdered by his uncle Claudius, to usurp the throne. It’s a captivating and immersive start which hooks you in.

TLCM, Hamlet at Broadway Tower – photo: Jack Offord

Out in the open air the actors’ voices sound natural and authentic, the booming voice of the King being the most effective to reach us near the back. The quick pace of the abridged version of the play, originally one of Shakespeare’s longest, carries the audience quickly through the action.

The fast turnaround of actors in multiple guises and the performance of the King’s loyal courtiers, the sycophantic Polonius and envoys Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, give this production a fun and comedic feel. I couldn’t help wanting more tension – cloaked figures whispering in the gloomy corridors of medieval castles as in other versions – but I have to accept what’s achievable with the fading natural light and sparsely appointed stage.

Ultimately, it’s very impressive that as an audience, we are immersed in the action with the bare minimum of set and costumes. But although not as accentuated as a fully equipped stage play, the performance comes into its own as the sky darkens and we see Hamlet’s introspective moments, in which his descent into madness can be given greater emphasis.

TLCM, Hamlet at Broadway Tower – photo: Jack Offord

Hamlet delivers breathless speeches without fault, and the final tragic scenes are delivered with an understated and authentic tone. Gasps come from the crowd as Hamlet’s mother spurts out the poison intended for him, and he finishes with a regretful soliloquy before his death.

While there has been an understandable trade-off for authenticity and set, it’s worth saying that you can’t go expecting all the bells and whistles in such unique and rural locations for one night only.

But if you can fully embrace the chilly night air, damp grass, and even the roar of the odd aeroplane overhead, the remaining shows in the tour will provide you with an unforgettable evening.

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men are on tour with Hamlet at outdoor venues around the UK and internationally until September 19. For further details please visit www.tlcm.co.uk or follow @thelordchamberlainsmen.

Main photo: Dave Mackie (Hamlet at Broadway Tower) 

Read next:

• Brave Bold Drama’s Roots Festival continues through the summer
• Bristol School of Acting dive into the radical Hamlet-inspired world of Elsinore
• Insane Root bring A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Eastville Park swimming pool