After his modern takes on Romeo and Juliet, and also Medea, Ben Duke is now bringing us a fresh perspective on the Shakespearian anti-hero. And for the first time, Hamlet realises he is on stage! He takes the opportunity to play with the codes of theatre and interact with the audience. By turns the Prince and the actor, this Hamlet, played by Duke himself, flirts with the very British tradition of stand-up comedy. The excellent Hannah Shepherd and Miguel Altunaga, who impressed audices in Ruination: The True Story of Medea, bring to life the emotions of Ophelia, Gertrude, Claudius and various Fortinbras, as though they walk among us. Their movements are as poignant as Hamlet’s words, as he struggles to find meaning in his actions and life. A brand new Hamlet, but will it really be The Last?

Thomas Hahn

Ben Duke, a regular guest artist at the Théâtre de la Ville since 2017, will use his time here to research and create a NEW WORK, The Last Hamlet, which will be presented during the Focus programme in Autumn of 2026. During his residency in June 2026, some events open to the public will be organised, the details of which will be fixed at a later date.

Thomas Hahn