3D Hamlet: A Lost Generation

Were this show set in a different venue, with decent sight lines, a proper projection screen and space bigger than a postage stamp for the actors to perform on, it would be a shoe-in for five stars. Abridged, but retaining all the salient points and key scenes from the original play, this witty, moving and hugely enjoyable production positions the Bard squarely in the 21st century.

The language is still Shakespearean but now Hamlet and Ophelia (or Hamphelia as they’re dubbed in the tabloid press) play out their relationship by text and Facebook. There are no weak links in the seven-strong cast, each managing to make the text sound utterly believable and relevant over 400 years since it was written. Special mention goes to Sam Underwood, an age appropriate Hamlet surely destined for great things.

As for the 3D element, it’s just a marketing strategy, used briefly to capture the band of players’ recreation of the King’s poisoning (the ghost of whom is played on-screen by one Alec Baldwin). Fun as it is, this production would still fly without it.

theSpaces on the Mile, 0845 508 8316, until 27 Aug (not 21), 8.40pm, £10 (£7).