Mark Lockyer’s The Play’s The Thing is a completely exhilarating performance, and an incredibly impactful version of Shakespeare’s classic.
A one-person Hamlet is a serious challenge to any actor and has become something of a byword for something you should probably give a miss. Do not miss this one. Mark Lockyer is a truly singular actor, and probably one of the few whose inventiveness, energy, and total command of the language allows for this incredible feat to come off so perfectly.
Taking us through director Fiona Laird’s very cleverly abridged version of the play, Locker utilises deft characterisation to bring the cast of characters to us. There are subtle changes in voice, and neat, repeated gestures and mannerisms that make the complex task of following an actor switching between so many characters a breeze for the audience. Crucial to this, Lockyer himself is in total control, something that reflects his experience in his other one-person show, Living With The Lights On’. He navigates the breakneck changes between different mental and emotional states on stage with total ease, and this confidence and control translates to us the audience. You are never lost, and you are totally gripped.
A highlight is Lockyer’s transformation into the ghost. He accesses an almost other-wordly voice, as a subtle lighting change casts his shadow in immense form on the high ceiling of Wilton’s music hall. Best of all, this moment isn’t simply produced and then left behind. Instead, shades of the ghost’s visage, and especially its voice, recur in the production as we see the power of its words acting on the characters. This kind of attention to detail is something for which Lockyer and Laird deserve great credit.
The skill of the production demonstrates the value of the medium for Shakespeare, as the text is allowed to shine through this medium. The simplicity of the staging means the audience is able to place far more attention on the beauty of Shakespeare’s writing which Lockyer delivers to us with immense quality. Of particular note is his ‘Yorick’ speech, which renders all the joy, lightness, dread, and darkness of the character. It is a vocal performance so good that you could easily close your eyes for the whole performance and be completely satisfied.
That being said, it would be a shame to do so, because the design choices are excellent. The staging is very sparse but deliberate, with one long, red curtain hanging on the main stage, while Lockyer performs on a lower thrust section. This simple set up is brilliantly transformed by Tim Mitchell’s lightning design, which facilitates scene changes and helps create the atmosphere around Lockyer’s performance.
A very successful choice is the decision to light Lockyer during his (remarkably short) breaks between each act. A small lamp illuminates him as he sits for a few seconds, takes a drink, and wipes his face. This acknowledges the artifice of the performance and therefore avoids the trap of condescending to the audience by taking too seriously the goal of one person playing every character. It also offers a moment of stillness and quiet where it feels as though the whole room takes a few collective breaths.
This production is an absolute triumph of pure, thrilling theatre and one of the most exceptional pieces of acting I have ever seen.
The Play’s The Thing is on until the 12th of April – https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/the-plays-the-thing-a-one-person-hamlet/
Reviewer: Ralph Jeffreys
Reviewed: 7th April 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 5 out of 5.
