Review of Hamlet
Thomas Dixon Theatre
Season till July 18th
From its haunting opening moments to its emotionally devastating finale, Hamlet is a triumph for Queensland Ballet and one of the company’s most ambitious and captivating productions in recent years.
International choreographer Leo Mujić has taken Shakespeare’s timeless tale of betrayal, grief, revenge and madness and transformed it into a work of extraordinary power, proving that some stories can be told just as effectively through movement as through words.
Presented as a bold Australian premiere, Hamlet combines classical ballet with visceral contemporary movement, creating a theatrical experience that is both emotionally charged and visually breathtaking. Set to the sweeping music of Tchaikovsky and Saint-Saëns, the production demonstrates the remarkable ability of dance to communicate the complexities of Shakespeare’s immortal tragedy without a single spoken word.
The recorded score, engineered to the highest quality, features performances by some of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Russian National Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Malmö Symphony Orchestra and Queensland Symphony Orchestra. The result is a rich and cinematic soundscape that elevates every moment on stage.
At the heart of the production is Soloist Edison Manuel as Hamlet. His commanding stage presence, exceptional physical strength and emotional depth make for a mesmerising performance. Manuel draws the audience into Hamlet’s tortured world with remarkable intensity, capturing the character’s grief, confusion and obsession through movement that is both technically brilliant and deeply expressive. It is a performance that keeps you completely invested from beginning to end.
Equally impressive is Georgia Swan as Gertrude, bringing complexity and emotional weight to the role, while Libby-Rose Niederer delivers a beautifully nuanced performance as Ophelia, balancing vulnerability with quiet strength. Joshua Ostermann leaves a lasting impression as the Ghost, his haunting presence sending a chill through the theatre and becoming a powerful catalyst for the drama that unfolds.
The strength of Hamlet extends far beyond its principal performers. The entire Queensland Ballet ensemble performs with precision, passion and commitment, bringing Leo Mujić’s intricate choreography vividly to life. Every dancer contributes to the storytelling, creating scenes that surge with energy, emotion and dramatic tension.
Adding to the impact is the stunning visual design. The atmospheric lighting creates a world suspended between reality and memory, enhancing the emotional landscape of the story. Combined with beautifully crafted costumes and an elegant set design, the production becomes a feast for the senses. Every visual element works in harmony with the choreography, creating moments that are both intimate and epic in scale.
What makes this production particularly special is its ability to make Shakespeare accessible through movement. Whether familiar with the original play or experiencing the story for the first time, audiences are drawn into a kingdom consumed by corruption, loss and the devastating consequences of revenge.
Under the artistic leadership of Queensland Ballet, Hamlet stands as a shining example of the company’s commitment to presenting world-class ballet while pushing artistic boundaries. It is bold, contemporary and deeply moving.
Queensland Ballet’s Australian premiere of Hamlet is a production that lingers long after the final curtain falls. It is thought-provoking, emotionally powerful and visually stunning — a true testament to the artistry of everyone involved.
Hamlet is playing at the Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre, West End, until July 18.
If you have never experienced ballet before, make Hamlet your first. This is the kind of production that reminds us why live performance matters and why great storytelling transcends words. You may well leave the theatre planning your next ballet experience before you even get home.
★★★★★
Review by Caroline Russo
Hush Hush Biz
