Shakespeare classic Hamlet finds a new stage in the chaotic virtual world of Grand Theft Auto.
About the film
Directed by: Pinny Grylls & Sam Crane
Cast: Sam Crane, Mark Oosterveen, Pinny Grylls
Duration: 91min
Certificate: 15
Supported by BFI Doc Society Fund, awarding National Lottery funds.
A special screening of Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane’s hilarious and heartfelt documentary Grand Theft Hamlet, winner of Best Documentary Feature, SXSW Film Festival and Best Documentary, Sitges International Film Festival.
Shot entirely within the videogame Grand Theft Auto, actors Sam and Mark find solace from lockdown isolation by staging a production of Hamlet inside the game — encountering chaos and unexpected allies as they go.
During the January 2021 lockdown, two out-of-work actors, stuck at home, deep dive into the world of Grand Theft Auto (GTA)—a videogame famous for its violence but equally admired for its intricate design. From their boredom and creativity springs an unlikely idea: to stage a full production of Hamlet within the game.
This documentary charts their ridiculous, hilarious and moving adventure as they battle violent griefers and discover surprising truths about life, friendship and the enduring power of Shakespeare.
"A brilliant idea, brilliantly executed; hilarious, surreal and, yes, in its weird way, genuinely exciting." ★★★★★
— The Guardian (review, Dec 2024)
“When Shakespeare meets gaming, hilarity and heartbreak ensue”
— The Hollywood Reporter
"[A] fantastic and wildly inventive documentary… Unpredictable and extremely entertaining… Perfect” ★★★★★
— Loud and Clear Reviews
Theatre has always been about bringing communities together, breaking boundaries between the physical and the emotional, and finding new ways to present classic themes and stories. As technology has provided places for people to gather in new ways and for different purposes, the potential to merge centuries-old texts and the 21st century world of gaming avatars and simulated environments is thrilling.
Still from Grand Theft Hamlet
This event is presented by Broadway's Near Now studio for arts, design and innovation, supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
