103 replies to this topic

[Jenny_tyr]

You don't suppose it could be the Duke of York's?

[Weez]

I don't see why it needs to be *with* someone, per se. Surely any production company can throw out a Hamlet if they fancy it.

[Poly]

It might not be with a theatre company but the point is, does anyone know? If not theatre company, theatre director etc.
And I would think it's risky (commercially and artisticly) doing Hamlet on a purely commercial West End setting.

[Weez]

Any other period, and I might agree with you. But it's not like the West End has been wholly unsuccessful with Danes lately, and John Simm is name enough for it to work, and at least they don't have to pay royalties to the playwright.

[Jan Brock]

Not sure why you are all so excited - his stage credits are as close to zero as makes no difference - just celebrity casting of someone who'd never get the chance to play Hamlet if the casting was done based on his stage acting ability. Not much different to Abi Titmuss playing Lady Macbeth as far as I can see.

[armadillo]

Not sure why you are all so excited - his stage credits are as close to zero as makes no difference - just celebrity casting of someone who'd never get the chance to play Hamlet if the casting was done based on his stage acting ability. Not much different to Abi Titmuss playing Lady Macbeth as far as I can see.

Have you seen him on stage? Speaking in Tongues doesn't stretch him but he was extraordinary in Eilling (or whatever the Norwegian play at the Trafalgar a couple of years ago was called).

[Jan Brock]

Have you seen him on stage? Speaking in Tongues doesn't stretch him but he was extraordinary in Eilling (or whatever the Norwegian play at the Trafalgar a couple of years ago was called).

No I haven't, and I doubt many other have seen him either as you have just listed his entire West End list of credits.

[Weez]

So... Jan, you've not seen John Simm onstage and aren't really excited about this. I have seen John Simm onstage, and I am excited about it. If that helps anyone with anything at all. Actors tend to go where the work is, and if he's predominantly done television, it's not automatically a reflection on his feelings or ability as far as stagework goes (as I'm sure you're MORE than aware!). And he was utterly superb in Elling, thus proving that he's not just limited to the small screen as an unfortunate amount of actors are these days.

And I really don't care how that Times article tried to legitimise her; a skilled actor like John Simm playing Hamlet is not even in the same LEAGUE as Abi Titmuss playing Lady Macbeth. At least he's famous for, y'know, acting!

[Lynette]

He's the other one, isn't he, the one who didn't pounce on a punter? Was ok in Tongues, not a stand out. I dunno how many Hamlets I can take - like buses, eh?

[Alexandra]

The thing is, Weez, it's a hell of a part to take on when you've so little experience. I quite admire his chutzpah, actually, and maybe he'll be the Hamlet de nos jours. But I'm not rushing to book.