Hamlet cover art

Hamlet

A BBC Radio Production

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Hamlet

By: William Shakespeare
Narrated by: Michael Sheen, Kenneth Cranham, Juliet Stevenson, Full Cast
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About this listen

In this BBC full-cast production, the ghost of Hamlet's father orders him to kill the man who took his life, his throne and his wife: Claudius.

In a tale of caution, tragedy and revenge, Hamlet is driven to madness by his mission and his father's legacy.

Michael Sheen stars as Hamlet, with Kenneth Cranham as Claudius, Juliet Stevenson as Gertrude and Ellie Beaven as Ophelia.

BBC radio has a unique heritage when it comes to Shakespeare. Since 1923, when the newly formed company broadcast its first full-length play, generations of actors and producers have honed and perfected the craft of making Shakespeare to be heard.

In this acclaimed BBC Radio Shakespeare series, each play is introduced by Richard Eyre, former Director of the Royal National Theatre. Revitalised, original and comprehensive, this is Shakespeare for the modern day.

©1999 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)1999 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Drama & Plays Shakespeare Funny

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All stars
Most relevant  
Fantastic rendition of Hamlet, superb cast, very clear sound; I loved every minute of it.

Utterly brilliant

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Superb cast make this not only highly listenable but also very comprehensible. You might think that an audio-only Shakespeare play would be hard to follow, with characters entering and exiting, but this production works very well. It rattles along at a brisk pace, and grips with the layers of deceit and evil. Kenneth Cranham, as the murderous Claudius, particularly oozes with horrible charm.

Stellar cast bring play to life

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Wonderfully directed, fluid, pacy, moving production. Also a great experience to hear the full text, not a word cut. Love it.

Atmospheric performance

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Wonderful cast, thoughtfully played. I enjoyed every moment. Michael Sheen as Hamlet is top notch.

An absolute treasure

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Would you consider the audio edition of BBC Radio Shakespeare to be better than the print version?

This version of Hamlet brings Shakespeare's drama to life. Martin Sheen and a fantastic supporting cast do justice to the fact that all Shakespeare's plays were written to be performed. The actor's voices lift the word off the page.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hamlet, not surprisingly, is the towering presence in this version as Sheen adds new meaning to familiar speeches but I also enjoyed the portrayal of Ophelia as a strong female character, making her demise all the more poignant.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Experienced actors bring new meaning and understanding to the play, which is in itself astoundingly relevant despite it's age and longevity.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Beware the smiling assassin!

Any additional comments?

Loved it! Especially useful if you are studying the play at school or University

Gripping Version

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The greatest work of literature ever. Brilliantly performed, highly recommended.
Micheal Sheen is a legend.

Hamlet

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I enjoyed this presentation of Hamlet immensely. Many of the actors are indeed British stalwarts and this showed clearly in this perfect rendering of the play. Kenneth Cranham made an excellent Claudius with THAT voice. The only thing I did not like was the preface - as the conclusions drawn about the play were unnecessary and many readers would disagree strongly with this person's assessment of the play's meaning.

Fine rendering of the play ...

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