Award-Winning Blue Apple’s HAMLET Set for Kingston Tonight, July 4

Award-winning inclusive theatre company Blue Apple Theatre bring their unique 70 minute version of Shakespeare's Hamlet to Rose Theatre Kingston tonight, July 4th 7.30pm.

Blue Apple have reinvented the world's greatest play in a fresh, fearless and funny adaptation that picks out the essence of the play while using Shakespeare's original language. Founding Director Jane Jessop said 'Think you know Hamlet? Think again!'

Blue Apple Theatre is an award- winning inclusive company which promotes the talents of actors with learning disabilities. Their programme includes large-scale performance projects, commissioned small-scale touring productions, dance and film.

Hamlet featuring six actors has already toured extensively around the south of England to rave reactions.

Hamlet tells the story of a Danish prince. His father is dead. His mother has married his Uncle. His girlfriend's Dad says they can't be together. And then his father's ghost turns up. The title role is played by Tommy Jessop, an established actor who has appeared in BAFTA nominated Coming Down the Mountain on BBC1 and in Casualty, Holby City, Monroe and Radio 4 afternoon plays. Describing previous appearances, the Mail On Sunday wrote, 'Jessop's performance broke your heart' and The Stage said, 'An Extraordinary Performance… a natural performer.'

Jane Jessop, founding director of Blue Apple Theatre in Winchester, said 'Hamlet is "the ultimate Shakespeare play" in which to challenge cast and audiences alike. Shakespeare speaks to us all. I believe this will be extremely thought-provoking, powerful and utterly moving and we will all, cast and audiences, gain something wonderful from this production.

Often actors with learning disabilities are restricted to supporting roles. The significance of Blue Apple Theatre's Hamlet is that it allows us to cast our performers as some of the biggest characters on stage. What is telling is that audience reaction has been entirely enthusiastic with some people travelling to see the play a second time.'

Blue Apple Theatre has just become the 1000th winner of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary organisations. This year over 40 volunteers have supported the company on and off stage, working to offer performers with a wide range of learning disabilities the opportunity to take part in high quality theatre, dance and film. 'Blue Apple Theatre would not exist without its volunteers,' said Jane Jessop. 'They help us to put on great theatre, promote inclusion and challenge prejudice.'

Blue Apple Theatre's Hamlet performs at the Rose Theatre Kingston tonight, July 4th at 7.30. Tickets are available on 08444 821 556 or at rosetheatrekingston.org

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