At the Nuffield Theatre, there were almost as many people on stage as there were in the audience - a pity, because Patrick Sandford's production is very decent indeed. It may not be the most electrifying Hamlet you will see, but it is a fiercely intelligent and clear one, and proves again that Sandford's vocation as a director is with the classics.
This Hamlet has three trump cards. The first is a wonderful, simple design from Robin Don that brings a touch of MC Escher's visual mind games to this contemporary Elsinore. It also has two superb performances: from John Woodvine as Polonius and from Stephen Noonan in the title role. Woodvine is a veteran actor; as soon as he walks on stage, you know that you can relax. He brings clarity to the verse and poignancy to this busy-bee Polonius with his ever-ready briefcase, a man who has devoted himself to royal service but whose absence is barely noticed after his murder.
Stephen Noonan's Hamlet is the real thing - intense, intelligent, sardonic and reflective. Until his desire for revenge finally flows uncontrollably, this is a man who knows exactly what he is doing. Madness is a useful tool to be feigned, wit a rapier with which to wound. Noonan's Hamlet is interesting and charismatic - and, rather bravely, not always nice. Yet we see the softer side of a man who clearly did once love Ophelia.
There are plenty of other neat touches: Young Fortinbras yomps across the wedding feast of Claudius and Gertrude; the relationship between Laertes and his sister is full of loving playfulness; the play scene is set in a glass box and has a touch of the police exhibit about it. All in all, a robust and enjoyable production in a theatre that the people of Southampton will lose if they can't be bothered to use it.
· Until November 15. Box office: 023-8067 1771.
