The set split vertically has battlements atop the stage for the first sighting of the Ghost (Geoff Aymer) with deep sonorous music and grey presence. The guards and Horatio (Sam Swann) gather on the upper level while the ghost appears below.  The opening scene at court has the actors assemble the lit candle bearing, four quarters of a white round table with Gertrude (Sara Powell) and Claudius (Ariyon Bakare) standing. Gertrude “the imperial jointress” is stately and not one for PDAs unlike some of those Gertrudes who have discovered sex in middle age and fawn on their Claudius.  As they speak, we find we haven’t yet seen Hamlet and then we see him listening in the shadows at the rear of Stage Right.

The chamber at the upper level serves as Ophelia’s and Gertrude’s Chamber and also splits the two senior royals watching “The Mousetrap”.  This division means that we have to divert our eyes from the play within the play to see Claudius rise but this is hugely effective as his disturbance is accentuated.  Rosencrantz (Tim Preston) and Guildenstern (Jay Saighal) had arrived and extricated themselves from Hamlet ascertaining whether they were sent for, by switching the subject of the conversation, to the arrival of the players. I valued how they have used wigs and costume, but the wigs work best, to disguise actors doubling in minor roles.