by guest critic and photographer Esther Moorton

To see or not to see? That is the question.

But this is a hilarious take on Shakespeare’s famous Hamlet, but not as you or I know it.

In these long-running, established shows, one of the main actors is plied with alcohol pre-performance and throughout the show audience members have the authority to request more drinks for the actor.

The show takes a spin when the “shit-faced” actor playing Claudius orders Laertes and Ophelia to swap outfits. therefore Laertes now dressed as a woman and Ophelia as a man.

It is usual for Shakespeare’s plays to end tragically – but not in this case. (Well, as you can imagine it does end in death, however it’s quite hard to be sad at such a funny performance.)

So to answer my question, To see or not to see? I would vote yes.

Shit-faced Shakespeare: Hamlet runs until 27 August.

The Play’s the Thing UK is committed to covering fringe and progressive theatre in London and beyond. It is run entirely voluntarily and needs regular support to ensure its survival. For more information and to help The Play’s the Thing UK provide coverage of the theatre that needs reviews the most, visit its patreon.