Drama Online - Maxine Peakes Hamlet
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Maxine Peake as Hamlet

Shakespeare’s most iconic work in a stripped-back, fast-paced version, expertly filmed in high definition with eight cameras capturing the intensity of the stage production. A captivating production that rebalances gender casting, Peake’s Hamlet is a female character who takes on a male mantle, a fierce and textured Hamlet who imbues the role with anger, indignation, and purpose.

Maxine Peake in a white shirt plays Hamlet and holds the face of Katie West playing Ophelia

This ground breaking stage production, directed by Sarah Frankcom, was the Royal Exchange Theatre’s fastest-selling show in a decade.

“The most fearless and most courageous actor that I’ve ever worked with.” Sarah Frankcom on BAFTA-nominee Maxine Peake in the title role of Hamlet

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Discover Hamlet in a new light:

  • Gender-blind casting with a female Polonius (Polonia), Rosencrantz, and female gravediggers
  • Expertly filmed in high definition with eight cameras, including one overhead
  • Play directed by the award-winning then-Artistic Director of the Royal Exchange, Sarah Frankcom
  • Film directed by the award-winning filmmaker Margaret Williams
  • Strong supporting cast includes John Shrapnel as Claudius/Ghost, Barbara Marten as Gertrude, Gillian Veban as Polonia, Katie West as Ophelia, and Thomas Arnold as Horatio

Pair with other performances, playtexts and critical texts including those in: