Hamlet

As the theatre’s contribution to 1973’s Festival of British Theatre, this was included in the programme in the expectation of making a £3000 loss. In fact, it lost £6000. (‘The Arts Scene: Shakespeare’s bad for business…’, Reading Evening Post 13^th October 1973.)

In the second week, George Benson suffered a stroke and the role of Polonius was played for the remainder of the run by director Martin Jenkins. (Martin Jarvis, ACTING STRANGELY, Methuen 1999: page 117.)

Composer, and resident musical director, John Pritchett died of a heart attack at the beginning of the final week. (‘Obituary’, The Stage 11^th October 1973, page 24.)

Cast & Crew

Cast

Observations

1. On 13^th June 2021 at 4:06 p.m., Fifi99 noted:

   On the occasion I saw this play, owing to the indisposition of George Benson, the part of Polonius was played by Martin Jenkins.

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