Transcript of Lee Young on the Steve Murphy Show Radio 2 GB, March 19, 2005

Currently Sydney theatre audiences are experiencing a plethora of Shakespeare performances.
It is almost a birthday celebration, as Shakespeare was born in April 1564, over 400 years ago, and still the world's most famous playwright. In 1599 Shakespeare and six associates became owners of the Globe Theatre in London and now in 2005 we still uphold the name, namely the The Shakespeare Globe Centre's Company here in Sydney.

Their current production of Hamlet at the Bondi Pavilion proves that Shakespeare will never die when performed and directed by a company with such high standards.

The character of Hamlet is considered one of the theatre's greatest acting challenges, and is certainly a challenge for Lee Biolos, a tall dark handsome American, now Sydney based. Gone is the traditional blonde Dane we have come to expect. Lee Biolos has succeeded in making Hamlet his own, strangely sensitive and sympathetic. I found his performance electrifying.

Another young performer to watch is Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood as Ophelia. At only 17 years of age she performs like a true veteran. Her mad scene is both mesmerizing and touching.

A highlight of this production is the Strolling players "play within a play" with Anthony Hunt and Marcello Fabrizi excelling as the two players.

It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge Alan Faulkner as Polonius. Alan surely possesses one of the most articulate voices in theatre today.

The unique musical score is By Guy McEwan, who is, incidentally, the General manager of the State Theatre - busy boy!!

On the whole this is a most satisfying production under the deft direction of Diana Denley.

For those of you who are not familiar with the works of Shakespeare, I suggest you go to the Bond Pavilion and be initiated.