Hamstrung

I loved this show . Such a talented actor takes a very different look at a Shakespeare character and in doing so takes the audience on an extraordinary journey. I wish I had seen this earlier in the fringe so I could have shouted about it for the last few weeks. Alas , only one show left . See it .

A great way to start a day at the Fringe. This is a fun and interactive show full of poetry and charisma. Writer/performer George Rennie does a beautiful job breathing life into Yorick, a character that is mentioned but not seen in Hamlet.

The venue is small, and Rennie makes the most of this to create an intimate connection with his entire audience. He takes you on a journey, and by the end of the performance, you are made to feel like you did not just watch a show, but were part of one (it also helps that there are very enjoyable and extensive audience interaction sequences!).

“Hamstrung”
George Rennie’s solo show is an experience extraordinaire as he brings from the grave Yorick, the poor jester long-dead in “Hamlet” whose only reference is the Prince’s fond memory in Act V of the court clown who entertained him as a boy and whose skull he holds in his hand. The creator/actor exudes contagious enthusiasm in his stories, ditties, and audience interaction while at the same time his Yorick shows increasing awareness of his own condition as both dead and a figment of some writer’s imagination (namely Shakespeare, of course). The sixty minutes pass too quickly as Rennie holds our undivided attention.
Rating: 5 E

Denmark meets Turkey. Sorry, is it just me?

Thoroughly delightful performance from George Rennie. He was endlessly charming in his audience interactions and his portrayal of a slowly unraveling clown who just wants to make people smile. Wonderful script and a wonderful time. Thank you so much!

Thoroughly enjoyed this well thought out Hamlet adjacent piece! George is a great and endearing performer that had me and the rest of the audience on Yorick's side until the very end.

In this energetic and thoughtful play George has fleshed out the bones of Yoricks character. No longer in the shadows but now the main player reflecting on his life and relatiionships and musing on what was or might have been. Add in humour, juggling , song and audience participation - I loved it.

Went to see this after being given a flyer by a friendly and open young man who turned out to be the writer and performer. George is just as engaging as Yorick, a Shakespearean character whose name is more famous than his life story. This intriguing play attempts to redress this situation as the audience meets the man somewhere between life and death. You don’t have to be a fan of the bard to empathise with a man who no longer knows his purpose. Good fun and well worth seeing.

Great show! George has written a very interesting script that works well within the world of Hamlet.
The audience participation is serious! Volunteer if you are comfortable spending five minutes on stage.
Really a nice, heartwarming play.

Walked into this after receiving a flier and didn’t know what to expect, I really enjoyed it and this is coming from someone who isn’t a Shakespeare lover. Basic knowledge of hamlet advisable but not required. The actor was very funny with his audience interaction. Would recommend!

George is a delightful performer and Yorik is a fantastic character to play with.
The pace was great throughout- took us on a journey and up and down the waves as Yorik realises what has become of his reality.
Excellent slow-reveal storytelling.

I’ve always been scared of audience interaction but this show made it so fun, playful and enjoyable! The character is so well crafted and emotive, and the funny moments are equally balanced with thoughtful, somber ones. Overall really reccomend!

Saw Hamstrung this morning and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it! It was a really interesting playful show based in the world of Hamlet. Had some audience interaction/participation that was very comical and thoroughly enjoyed the whole show.

It’s the perfect way to start your day off!!