Watched> Sunday, 25th January, 2026 @ Blackpool ARC Cinema. Live from The National Theatre, London, UK. Rated 6 * * * * * * or 5 * * * * * + Plus = BRILLIANT / OUTSTANDING < Cert. 12A > A Modern take on Shakespeare's HAMLET. Lead Role, Young Hamlet, Played by Hiran Abeysekera, who was simply Brilliant/Outstanding just like the Play itself, with his lively and bubbly presence, as he moves around the stage, as though he owns it, and owns it he does, and at times as he acts out the tragedy and vulnerability side of his character, REALLY WELL including shedding a tear or two. What a Talent he his. The rest of the cast were also at the top of their game, especially Alistair Petrie, Ryan Ellsworth, Ayesha Dharker, and it was also a real treat watching the comical Francesca Mills, who was a pure delight to watch, and she was so Bubbly, with lot's of Fun. As Ophelia. This Modern Take of this Shakespeare's Classic, with Young Hamlet at one point wearing a 'Blockbuster Videos' T-Shirt, and his Comical Behaviour, brings it right up to the twenty-first century. Top Directing from Robert Hastie, adding Pure Delight throughout the 3 hours of Theatre Magic. This is most certainly HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. (ps)

A fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare's famous tragedy.

Hiran Abeysekera in National Theatre Live: Hamlet (2026)

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National Theatre Live: Hamlet

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