One Man Hamlet  Ron Barber Studio

Presented by ...the thing productions.

27 April to 1 May 2004 at 7.45pm 
(plus matinee at 2.45 on 1 May)

Adapted by Andrew Cowie from the play by William Shakespeare.

The thing is Hamlet

“The play's the thing,” says Hamlet, but for a new theatre company ‘Hamlet' is the play. Or to be more accurate, ‘A One Man Hamlet' is the play as it has been chosen to launch the company next April at Birmingham 's Crescent Theatre.

Robert Ball, the driving force behind The Thing Productions, says he is delighted to be linking up with Birmingham-based playwright Andrew Cowie for a new production of Andrew's successful adaptation of Shakespeare's masterpiece.

First produced in 1990 – when Andrew took to the stage in an hour long tour de force – the play was received with critical acclaim wherever it played - see the Portable Productions website. 

“This is an ideal first production for The Thing,” says Robert. “It really fits in with the stated aim of the company, it has the potential for taking classic drama and making from it contemporary theatre. I hope that the one man – one hour format will also appeal to audiences that may not ever consider booking for the usual three or four hour marathon.

“I will be working closely with Andrew, who, I am delighted to say, has agreed to direct his work this time round.”