Old Town theatre Company chose Shakespeare's Hamlet this time out. I was ready for a marathon. I am also one of those people who have grown into Shakespeare after studying one of his plays for an exam in the not too distant past. There was no doubt in my mind that this particular theatre company could pull it off; and they did.

For most of this three hour long performance you could hear a pin drop in the auditorium as the audience became engrossed in some rather splendid acting.

It takes me about ten minutes to get my ear into the language and then I'm away.

Taking the lead role of Hamlet, and that of director for the play, was David Howell, He quite simply excelled in the role, which had been adapted with a modern twist. His ideas, direction and staging were certainly fresh, and for once I didn't feel that the modern element and costume spoilt the play.

Emma Cowdry, as Ophelia, was delightful and her characterisation entirely believable in both sanity and madness.

The language of Shakespeare is difficult to emit correctly but I felt that this cast had once again done their homework and most spoke well with clear diction and intonation; a must in this dialogue. Peter Edge-Partington, as Polonius, is an expert in this genre.

Wendy Vickery and Gareth Williams (King and Queen) played some explosive and engaging scenes respectively.

Sometimes it's the smaller roles that have an impact and for me Luke Mooney, as Laertes showed great skill and stage presence.

This company works hard to get everything just right and this was no exception. Excellent lighting, sound, makeup, an ingenious set and good cast is synonymous with this company.

Once again they didn't disappoint, even with a play that others might fail to deliver.

David Howell is to be congratulated, not only for his performance, but for putting his ideas together (far too many to mention) and running with them to a corking conclusion.

Ros Hollands

OTTC is always keen to hear audience comment, especially when it's full of praise! (Well, we are only human after all!) So we were very happy when Peter Asphar's letter dropped into our PO Box. Read on to see why!

16th December 2007

Dear Sir

I hope you are well.

I drove down from Cheltenham last night. 'Twas cold but so glad I did, for I loved your Hamlet last night... there was so much to love.

I loved the Director's Notes in the programme – could see others enjoying it too.

I loved Guildenstern's character, real fresh and funny. I really laughed at the play within the play; the acting it out of the Player King and Queen (her scream?!) and other chap were brilliant. Funny; that's always been a boring bit, but you made it brill.

Ophelia's singing pop songs was just as it ought to be. Mostly, the pop music was perfection. It's so important what you did there. [With] the hundreds of years between the [original writing and your show, you proved] we are the same as they ever were, aren't we? I rather think it was how I'd do it, if I had the confidence.

Hamlet himself was so user friendly, such a joy not to be shouting all the time, and he was desperate, he really was! That bit where he hates himself for being unable to act, pleading with his agony. It moved me, as it reminded me of myself.

Well done guys, all's well with the world if I can watch good stuff.

Farewell.
Happily yours
Peter Asphar

Many thanks for your letter, Peter, and we're glad you enjoyed the show!