Characters and relationships

Who's this? Michael Boyd is the director.

Context: A tragedy depends on a loss of potential; a sense of what might have been is important to the rest of the play. Michael Boyd suggested to Toby Stephens that we see a glimpse of the 'King' Hamlet could have become in the dialogue following the arrival of the Players. In this scene Hamlet shows calm authority rebuking Polonius as well as concern for the Players' welfare. There is also the question of the hero's integrity. Hamlet seems alone in a world of false values and self-seeking politics. We see him as a man with no time for the artificial flattery of the court where courtiers are 'yes-men' who will say black is white for their own purposes, or that a cloud is 'very like a whale' or who are even unable to decide whether it is hot or cold.

Look at:

• 'very like a whale' Act 3 Scene 2 - Hamlet dealing with Polonius.
• hot or cold? Act 5 scene 2 - Hamlet dealing with Osric.

Did you know?

• In 2001 Sam West tried to catch video evidence of Claudius.
• In 1997 Alex Jennings fumbled with a gun in a brown paper bag.
• In 1989 Mark Rylance wore pyjamas for much of the action.

See RSC Pictures and Exhibitions for other production details.