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It's partly because of the high production standards. But, I suppose, it's mostly because the star is a bit famous. Benedict Cumberbatch, known for Sherlock, Star Trek, and Cabin Pressure (that's radio, look it up, you won't be disappointed) appears as Hamlet.

And does it work? My goodness yes! The entire cast bring such energy to the work, we never forget this is theatre. The staging is superb - a single, very complex set is used throughout, with brilliant lighting used to create moods and scenes. The staging involves marvellous anachronisms - we are never sure quite when this is set. Ophelia carries an early 20th century bellows style camera, and photographs her food, Instagram style. Hamlet wears a Bowie t-shirt.

The real test is, does this style of performance replace theatre for us? Does it feel like seeing a movie? I don't think so. I found myself inspired to see more live theatre. I think this presentation makes theatre accessible in a whole new way.

The production is three hours and twenty minutes, and includes an interval (on the screen, we see the theatre audience, and a countdown timer - no chance of missing any of the show). It's a hefty show, but don't worry, you'll never be bored. And incidentally, Cinema Nova in Lygon St is about as nice a place to see a film as any!

by Pauline Laing Australian release 7 Nov 2015 For credits and official site details, see below Search Festivale for more work by the film-makers below. See also:

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Just the facts: Title: National Theatre Live: Hamlet (2015) Written by: William Shakespeare Directed by: Running time: 217 mins Rating: The Players: Benedict Cumberbatch, Ciarán Hinds, Sian Brooke, Official website: Ntlive.com IMDb entry For session times of current films, use the cinema listings on the Movie links page. For scheduled release dates, see the coming attractions section. For more information about this movie, check out the internet movie database. For the latest additions to Festivale, check out the change history section.