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In the Spring of 2018 Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble presents Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead in ‘rep’ with actors playing the same role in both plays!

Prince Hamlet is having a rough time. After his father’s death, he is overlooked for the crown in favour of the guy who killed his Dad and, even worse, married his Mum. Caught between cultures and philosophies, Hamlet careens between paralysis and unconsidered action. Part philosopher, part improvised explosive device, Hamlet is the anti-hero we are all afraid we might become, and secretly want to.

Inspired by Hamlet and a classic in its own right, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead sees two ‘minor’ characters take centre stage. Witness the comic horror as these ordinary folks vacillate between witty banter and philosophical ponderings on the point of their existence, all while being flung in and out of the orbit of the Prince of Denmark. A tale for anyone who has ever felt out of their depth and in over their head!

“the Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble presented an engaging take on one of the most powerful and influential works of world literature”
Meredith Walker, Blue Curtains Brisbane

“Silvan Rus plays the role of Hamlet in this production with intense, varying emotion, and delivers Hamlet’s many long and demanding monologues with precision and sincerity.”
Elise Lawrence, Backstreet Brisbane

“Rebecca Murphy and QSE have created a highly entertaining and engaging contemporary production, succeeding in every aspect.”
Xanthe Coward, XS Entertainment

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CAST & CREW

Sarah Doyle – Ophelia

Ellen Hardisty – Rosencrantz

Josh Lyons – Player King; Voltemand; Messenger

Liliana Macarone – Gertrude

Riley McNamara – Norwegian Captain; Bernardo; Priest; Player Lucianus

Frances Marrington – Polonius; Gravedigger 2; Ambassador

Rebecca Murphy – Gravedigger 1; Cornelius

Paige Poulier – Guildenstern

Dudley Powell – Horatio

Ben Prindable – King; Ghost

Nick Rijs – Laertes; Player

Silvan Rus – Hamlet

Rebekah Schmidt – Player Queen (Alfred); Osric; Gentleman

Colin Smith – First Player; Ambassador

Sam Valentine – Fortinbras; Marcellus; Player

Director (Hamlet): Rob Pensalfini

Director (Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead): Rebecca Murphy

Assistant Director (Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead): Kat Dekker

Fight Choreography: Justin Palazzo-Orr

Production Manager: Kylii Davies

Stage Manager (Hamlet): Josie Dodson

Stage Manager (Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead): Georgia Cooper

Costume Designer: Kaylee Gannaway

Lighting Designer: Steven Tibbits

Set Designer: James Elliott