In search of the perfect Hamlet

As much as I loved performances by Simon, Kenneth Branagh, Daniel Day Lewis, Michael Maloney, and others, the actor who was THE BEST Hamlet on stage in my 21 years' experience with the play in England was Sam West.

Mary Ann wrote:

As much as I loved performances by Simon, Kenneth Branagh, Daniel Day Lewis, Michael Maloney, and others, the actor who was THE BEST Hamlet on stage in my 21 years' experience with the play in England was Sam West.

Never saw Sam West. I can't judge to be honest - I don't really know what I'm looking for. All I know is that when SRB's on stage I find myself not looking at anyone else.

SRB gives you the child, parent and adult in his performance of Hamlet. I've seen the Russian one, Olivier, Mel Gibson, and others and he is the only one who bring out the anguish of the child. The audience stood to applaud him; he just tore your heart out.
Mary Welsh

Mary Welsh wrote:

SRB gives you the child, parent and adult in his performance of Hamlet. I've seen the Russian one, Olivier, Mel Gibson, and others and he is the only one who bring out the anguish of the child. The audience stood to applaud him; he just tore your heart out.
Mary Welsh

He also managed to portray the incredible vulnerability of Benedick in Much Ado at the National. And somehow seems able to find the humour in almost any scene. He is quite simply amazingly funny. Did you see Much Ado? And are you going to Major Barbara?
Glenn Ford