Sean Mathias: Last News

David Benedict Skeptics puzzling over the logic of watching 82-year-old Ian McKellen playing student prince Hamlet need only look as far as the play’s second scene in which Hamlet rebukes his mother. “I have that within which passeth show.” It’s an amplification of the line Shakespeare gave his chorus character ten years earlier in “Henry V”: “Let us … on your imaginary forces work.” Thus an age-blind, color-blind and gender-blind “Hamlet” is, in theory, perfectly valid.

The director of Ian McKellen’s Hamlet has hit back at claims the Hobbit actor was left ‘in tears’ after two actors allegedly quit the production following an argument. McKellen, 82, is set to star as the titular Shakespearean character at the Theatre Royal Windsor alongside Steven Berkoff as the king’s pompous adviser Polonius, and rising star Emmanuella Cole as his hot-headed son Laertes. However, Berkoff and Cole are said to have departed the production just before the scheduled press night on Tuesday.

coronavirus pandemic.However, with live performances still currently banned, it is not known exactly when the new production will open, but producers are hopeful it will be in ‘the forthcoming months’.Hamlet will be directed by Sean Mathias, who previously worked with Sir Ian on Waiting For Godot and No Man’s Land, and produced by Bill Kenwright.Sir Ian said: ‘I feel lucky to be working again, thanks to Bill Kenwright’s inspiring optimism and Sean Mathias’s invitation to re-examine Hamlet, 50 years on from my first go.Announcing our fabulous Hamlet & Cherry Orchard Creative Team!Directed By #SeanMathias Set Design @LeeNewbyDesign Lighting Design @JamiePlatt1 Costume Design @LorenElstein Sound Design/Composition #AdamCork Assistant Director

coronavirus pandemic.Put on by powerful producer Bill Kenwright, the age-defying Shakespeare show will begin performances at the Theatre Royal Windsor — steps from where Queen Elizabeth II is quarantined — on a date to be announced.“I feel lucky to be working again, thanks to Bill Kenwright’s inspiring optimism and [director] Sean Mathias’ invitation to re-examine ‘Hamlet,’ 50 years on from my first go,” McKellen said in a statement. “So now we will meet again.