Watch Hamlet

The 2009 BBC production of William Shakespeare's tragedy, "Hamlet," boasts an all-star cast led by David Tennant in the titular role, and Patrick Stewart as his uncle, King Claudius. The masterful production, directed by Gregory Doran, was filmed on location at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Tennant, fresh off his tenure as the tenth Doctor in "Doctor Who," gives a powerful and dynamic performance as the troubled Prince of Denmark. His portrayal of Hamlet is intense and deeply emotional, capturing the character's inner turmoil, wit, and cunning. Tennant delivers the famous soliloquies with a sense of urgency and purpose that are truly captivating to watch. His chemistry with the rest of the cast also shines through, making his relationships with Ophelia, Horatio, and even his mother, Gertrude, feel genuine and nuanced.

Patrick Stewart, known for his work in "Star Trek" and numerous Shakespearean productions, is equally impressive as King Claudius. His portrayal is both commanding and nuanced, presenting the king as a complex villain with motivations that go beyond mere power and ambition. Stewart's chemistry with Tennant is particularly notable, as the two actors play off each other brilliantly in some of the play's most intense moments.

The rest of the cast is equally strong, with Penny Downie delivering a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. Mariah Gale gives a moving performance as the ill-fated Ophelia, while Peter de Jersey and Edward Bennett are both excellent as Horatio and Laertes, respectively. Oliver Ford Davies is also notable as Polonius, delivering a comedic and endearing portrayal of the bumbling courtier.

The production itself is visually stunning, with Doran and his team taking full advantage of the unique setting of the Courtyard Theatre. The stage is set up in an intimate and immersive configuration, with audience members seated on three sides of the action. The set design is minimalistic but effective, with intricate lighting and sound design adding to the intense and otherworldly atmosphere of the play.

The pacing of the production is excellent, with the two-and-a-half-hour run time flying by. Doran skillfully navigates the play's complex themes of revenge, madness, and mortality, ensuring that each scene is given its full due while keeping the momentum of the story moving forward. The play's famous set pieces, such as the "To be or not to be" soliloquy and the climactic sword fight, are staged with intensity and spectacle, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.

Overall, the 2009 BBC production of "Hamlet" is a masterful adaptation of one of Shakespeare's greatest plays, led by a talented cast and a visionary director. David Tennant's performance as the tortured prince is particularly noteworthy, showcasing his range as an actor and cementing his status as a true Shakespearean talent. For Shakespeare fans or anyone interested in seeing some masterful acting and directing, this production is not to be missed.

Hamlet is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between April 28, 2010 and on BBC