Exploring Hamlet
Shakespeare's greatest role ... ?
Taking on one of Shakespeare's most celebrated roles is no mean feat. Enigmatic, conflicted, sensitive, philosophical, melancholy, Hamlet is a multi-dimensional character and a unique challenge for any actor.
From classic performers including Derek Jacobi, David Warner and Christopher Plummer, to modern interpretations like Simon Russell Beale, Adrian Lester and Maxine Peake, we delve into the BBC archives to gain a deeper understanding of the Prince of Denmark and his world...
-
![]()
Elsinore - A castle fit for a Prince
Celebrating 200 years of Denmark's Shakespeare Festival at the famous setting of Hamlet
-
![]()
Discover more about Shakespeare Lives
Experience the genius of the Bard's creativity and its reinterpretation by artists in all art forms.
Uncover more on Hamlet from the BBC Archives...
And watch some contemporary Hamlets, Maxine Peake and Pappa Essiedu, discuss how they approached this famous role...
Playing Hamlet: Full session
Maxine Peake and Paapa Essiedu discuss taking on Shakespeare's most celebrated role.
More on Shakespeare...
-
![]()
Shakespeare Lives
Experience an incredible commemoration of the Bard's 400th death anniversary with videos feauring David Tennant, Ian McKellan, Adrian Lester and more
-
![]()
Hay Festival
A great collection of actors, authors, writers, including Russell T Davies, Germaine Greer and Salman Rushdie, celebrating the Bard at the arts and literature gathering
-
![]()
Great Speeches
Watch some of the most memorable Shakespeare speeches, as chosen by the RSC, featuring Peggy Ashcroft, Patrick Stewart, Vanessa Redgrave and more
-
![]()
Quirky stories
From the Bard's influence on pop music to his face appearing on a £20 banknote, discover more unorthodox and unusual tales of Shakespeare from past to present
