But Never Doubt I Love, which is written and performed by Marina Wright, is a one woman show that re-interprets and re-examines Shakespeare's Hamlet with a contemporary lens. Performing both as Ophelia and Hamlet, Wright highlights parallels in the original text whilst placing the young characters in the present day.
Wright uses anachronisms well, using a Rubik's cube as an extended metaphor for Hamlet's growing frustration and increasing complications as he furiously tries to regain peace and order. Wright also hilariously uses a smart phone as a framing device for conversations between Ophelia and Hamlet, allowing both characters to be in the scene, whilst playing only one of them. Wright uses text and voice notes to help accomplish this, much to the delight of the audience.
An assumption that the audiences are familiar with the original Shakespearen text is made, as Wright launches straight into the classic text with no introduction. Having studied the play previously, I was able to catch on quickly, but it took a few minutes for the audience to find Wright and understand the play. With multiple characters played by Wright, with no discernible difference as she switches between characters, it takes a moment for audiences to follow. However, once the play kicks off, it's fairly straightforward to connect with.
Wright is a strong performer and handles the hefty text with ease. Although dressed in a black shirt and black pants, Wright carries herself with grandeur and pride and would fit in seamlessly with a grand staging of Hamlet. Wright ensures that she connects with the audience, addressing Hamlet's monologues at each individual and delivers an engaging and energetic performance.
Matt Cox, Alex Morgan-Edwards and Michael Stafford Wells all provide pre-recorded voiceovers for additional characters (Laertes, Polonius and more). These characters are used to help provide context and conflict to Ophelia and Hamlet. However, the voice overs falls short in comparison with Wright's energetic and wholehearted performance and slightly drags the piece down with unemotional delivery.
The show features a few musical moments, incorporating popular songs that help to convey the depth of emotions that the characters are feeling. Whilst slightly jarring with the modern language, they have been carefully selected to emphasise the irony of the play and foreshadow the well known ending. Wright is a talented singer and really gives it her all, covering an impressive range of songs. Dotted between scenes, the musical moments help Wright claim the play, and begs the question - How would have Hamlet and Ophelia fared in the present day?
Wright, (spoilers), reclaims the story from Ophelia's perspective by revealing her death was a lie and that she is now free to live and love for herself. A wonderful and feminist turn to the story allows for a heartfelt moment about living for others, with dialogue written by Wright herself, and leaves the piece on an inspiring and hopeful note as Ophelia finally breaks free.
But Never Doubt I Love is an entertaining and impressive one woman rendition of Hamlet and Ophelia's relationship, with a strong performance by Marina Wright. It is currently playing at the Etcetera Theatre as part of the Camden Fringe until 14th August - for more information and tickets, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
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