Sixth Form English classes came together for a visit to the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon, to see Rupert Goold’s 2025 production of Hamlet. We were given an hour to explore the town; which involved visiting the local Waterstones and viewing the place Shakespeare was born. Now it was time to enter the theatre: the theatre was reminiscent of Blackfriars theatre in London with its intimate lighting and seating. We were intrigued by the stage – shaped like a boat – and were even more surprised to see it tilt, as this production of Hamlet emulated the events of the Titanic.
Amongst emotive and contemplative soliloquies, you could hear the scribbling of the Upper Sixth as they took notes for their impending A Level; whilst the Lower Sixth watched with bated breath – their first experience of Hamlet. After a brief interval, we returned with drinks, snacks and renewed energy for the closing scenes of the play. After an eventful and tumultuous ending, in which much of the cast slipped down the tilted ship, loud cheers from a standing ovation filled the theatre. The students and staff alike enjoyed the journey back to Abingdon, infused with intellectual debate on what was an incredibly unique adaptation of Hamlet.
