We were bored this evening so we took pot luck, browsed the Camden Fringe and went along to the next possible show. And what were we destined for? Traditional fringe fare: a slice of Shakespeare all shook up. Our minds were open.
What was definitely not expected was it to kick off with a hip hop dance routine. Not a bad one at that, although clearly not from professional dancers. It made more sense by the end, though, as this Hamlet clocks in at around 22 minutes in total. Perhaps it was a bemusing effort at padding. Still, it's £4 a ticket and a veritable riot so, who cares.
This is Hamlet by 6 "salaciously tasty" talented women in varying arrangements of corsets, pants and stacks of stage make up. The script is uber-abridged. So abridged they've time to do it twice. The style is full on, overblown, physical theatre extravaganza and very funny, yet they also manage to hit some serious dramatic notes and pack in all the best lines.
Fringe entertainment doesn't come much briefer, cheaper or full of knickers and raspberry trumpets.
Catch Get Over it Hamlet at the Etcetera Theatre above the Oxford Arms Friday 9 and Saturday 10 August at 6pm. Tickets £4 on the door. For more information about the Camden Fringe visit their website.
