Few plays capture the complexity of human nature quite like Hamlet. A tale of madness, vengeance, and existential contemplation. Shakespeare’s tragedy has captivated audiences for over four centuries. As Actors From The London Stage (AFTLS) celebrates its 50th anniversary, the renowned company returns to one of the Bard’s most enduring works. Their signature minimalist approach—eschewing elaborate sets and costumes in favor of raw, actor-driven storytelling—breathes new life into Hamlet, making it as thrilling and thought-provoking today as it was in Shakespeare’s time.
Discover more about this season’s AFTLS production of Hamlet and the talented cast: Joanna Clarke, Esmonde Cole, Sadie Pepperrell, Michael Wagg (“Waggy”), and Jack Whitman.
What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of performing in Shakespeare productions?
Esmonde: I think the most challenging aspect about performing in a Shakespeare production is translating its language for all types of theatregoers. You never know how experienced an audience member is when it comes to watching Shakespeare. Therefore, making certain phrases or outdated words as clear as possible is essential. If, as the actor, I have a full grasp of the text, a certain clarity in performance can be enjoyed by any type of theatre watcher, experienced or not. Shakespeare can be a foreign language for most, so getting this right is a crucial part of the process. But like Hamlet says himself, “Anything so overdone is from the purpose of playing,” so it can sometimes feel like a trap, in which you’re straddling the tightrope between nuanced performance and overt pantomime. This is the challenge you have when attempting to bring Shakespeare’s words of antiquity to life with both intention and subtlety.
How does this particular production make you feel?
Sadie: I feel blessed to be working with such talented actors, who, every single rehearsal and performance, bring something new to the table for you to work off. It keeps the show fresh and interesting. I’m grateful to also see so much of America and to experience the culture and life here.
What is your favorite Shakespeare play?
Sadie: Titus Andronicus! It’s nasty, it’s gory—and people get baked into a pie—what else could you need?
Waggy: It changes all the time. But if you were to send me to a desert island, I’d want to take King Lear—for the depths of tragedy—and Twelfth Night—for the complete comedy. I’d want our production of Hamletplaying on repeat as well!
How do you stay motivated throughout a demanding season?
Joanna: For me, it’s all about trying to stay playful with the show and to keep trying new things in the moment. It’s an approach we’ve really embraced as a company, and because, with AFTLS, all five of us are directors, we’ve been encouraging each other to continue ‘directing’ as we go along, so the show itself has evolved and developed over the past two months. Knowing we are continuing to try new things is a big motivator.
What’s the most enjoyable part of your work? The most challenging?
Jack: For me, the most enjoyable thing is often the most challenging too. Performing in front of a live audience is exhilarating, rewarding, and, at times, a little scary.
The fact that what we’re doing is live and in the moment means that anything can happen. With television or film, if you stuff up a line or don’t quite reach the moment, you can simply retake and go again. With theatre, you don’t get that privilege, and that’s what makes it so exciting—we know that, and so does the audience—but that’s where the magic lies.
With the work we do with AFTLS, it is doubly exposing as we—the cast—are also the directors, costume designers, and stage managers rolled into one. What you see on stage is all of our collective decisions, and with that comes a greater ownership but also a greater responsibility over the final piece. That said, it is the most rewarding of projects to work on!
Waggy: I’d say the most enjoyable part of working as a touring actor is twofold: the people and the places. We get to meet and work with lots of different brilliant people each week, and we get to explore such a variety of places. The travel is a real treat—we find ourselves in places we wouldn’t be otherwise—and it’s one of the things that keeps me coming back—the adventure.
The reality is, working as a freelance actor based in the UK, the most challenging part is financial and the strain that brings. But the people and places outweigh it.
At what age did you begin acting?
Joanna: I think I started going to extracurricular drama classes when I was about seven, but I’d always had a very big imagination, and I liked nothing better than to put on shows in my family’s living room. I did some work with a children’s acting agency from about the age of twelve, and I quickly knew it was something I wanted to pursue.
Which artists/actors inspire you?
Sadie: There are so many to choose from. I have always loved Carey Mulligan and Toni Collette; they have this incredible way to portray vulnerability and bring you on the journey. Viola Davis is also a standout, and I believe one of the best actors of our time.
The gripping narrative of Hamlet, rich in poetic language and timeless themes, continues to resonate with audiences across generations. AFTLS’s bold and intimate staging strips the play down to its essence, allowing Shakespeare’s words to take center stage through the skill of five extraordinary actors. As the company marks this milestone season, their production of Hamlet promises to be an unforgettable highlight of their ongoing legacy at Notre Dame and beyond!
March 26–28, at 7:30 p.m.
Actors From The London Stage present Hamlet
Actors From The London Stage celebrates its 50th anniversary with a triumphant return to one of Shakespeare’s most iconic titles. Since 2000, Actors From The London Stage has called Notre Dame home. The company travels to multiple colleges and universities nationwide twice yearly, and every tour is coordinated and managed by Shakespeare at Notre Dame. Each member of this self-directed ensemble portrays multiple roles while favoring minimal props and costumes, creating a theatrical experience like no other.
*This event is SOLD OUT.
