In November, the St John’s Shakespeare Society made its annual return to the New Bury Theatre with a striking contemporary interpretation of Hamlet. As the oldest school Shakespeare company in the country, its near two centuries of history added weight to a production that subverted expectations while honouring tradition. Dominic Mott, Head of the College, remarked that although Hamlet was the only major Shakespeare play he had not previously seen performed on stage, he was confident that this modern staging would “do justice to Hurst’s fine Shakespearean record, and hopefully inspire future generations to continue this equally fine tradition”.
Director and producer Mady Summers shaped the production around a single idea: a shift from ‘the state of Denmark’ to ‘the Estate of Denmark’. Set on a contemporary London estate, the adaptation presented a world unsettled by unrest and shifting loyalties. She explained that her determination to break free from the “study pack” approach of her own school days led her to reimagine the play with fresh clarity. The cast faced an intense rehearsal period, with only seven school weeks to tackle Shakespeare’s longest text, yet their commitment was evident throughout.
The National School Theatre Awards attended the production and have nominated it for the 2026 awards. Their review praised the strength of the ensemble, the clear storytelling, and the thoughtful staging choices. Jem D’s portrayal of Hamlet was singled out for its emotional range, precision, and confidence, described as a performance that would not have looked out of place on a professional stage. The review also highlighted the strong performances across the cast, the atmospheric lighting and sound design, and the dynamic use of thrust staging that intensified the action at pivotal moments.
A post-show Q&A session after the matinee allowed the main cast to discuss their experiences, offering the audience valuable insight into the creative process. Alongside this, a Remembrance Day display in the theatre honoured Old Hurst Johnians who once performed in Shakespeare productions and later lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars. The display added a poignant connection between past and present, reminding audiences of the long-standing significance of Drama within the School.
This ambitious production reaffirmed the vitality of Shakespeare at Hurst and the remarkable talent of our students.
