Nearly Lear
Theatre (adaptation, solo show)
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Venue 45theSpace @ Venue45 - theSpace @ Venue 45
- 17:10
- Aug 19
- 1 hour 20 minutes
- Country: United Kingdom - England
- Group: Susanna Hamnett
- Warnings and additional info: None
- Accessibility: May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
- Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
- Policy applies to: Children under 18 months
Description
What if the great and tragic story of King Lear were to be told through the eyes of his closest companion? In this award-winning, one-woman tour-de-force, Susanna Hamnett plays the Fool – and every other character – to tell a very personal story that is by turns poignant, mischievous, tragic, and hilarious. Exuberant and unexpected, Nearly Lear has toured widely and internationally to both critical and audience acclaim. 'More wit, mischief and sheer playfulness than you can legally pack into 80 minutes of live theatre!' (Press and Journal, Aberdeen). 'A virtuosic performer' (New York Times).Please note that while all media gallery content is provided by verified members of the event, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society does not review or approve this content before it is posted. Reports of inappropriate content or copyright infringement can be directed to [email protected].
General venue access
- Accessible entry: Up a ramp into the building then level access into the theatre.
- Stairs: Information not supplied
Wheelchair access type: Not fully wheelchair accessible
Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info
How and when to make an access booking
- Phone: +44 (0)131 226 0002
- Email: [email protected]
- Textphone: +44 (0)7860 018 299
- Find out more about access at the Fringe.
Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:
- Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
- Requires extra assistance when at a venue
- Has specific seating requirements
- Is a wheelchair user
- Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance
Charlotte Webb 27 days ago
Nearly Lear: One woman re-telling of King Lear through the eyes of the fool! ... Susanna Hamnett's 'Nearly Lear' had me at 'Hello' and it did not let me down. Consummately crafted and acted, Hamnett conjured up an entire cast of characters with a fearless relish last shown by Bottom in Shakespeare's 'Dream', (- though with considerably more skill -) including a comedic death scene to rival that of Pyramus that I couldn't help thinking Shakespeare himself would have been proud of. With wit, joyful playfulness and humour that never became indulgent or lost sight of it's way, this wise fool led us right to the heart of her story, beneath the broken Crown and torn Kingdom, flowery language and 'themes', to a personal story of love and loss we could all relate to, between a parent and their child. Thank you!
Amanda 35 days ago
Powerful! Masterfully acted, powerfully done. One of the best this fringe. 10/10!
Dave Cooper 37 days ago
Both hilarious and touching in equal measure, I cannot recommend this show highly enough. The most effective storm scene I have ever experienced. Well worth the standing ovation she received. Don't miss it.
David Murphy 37 days ago
I wouldn’t say King Lear was my favourite Shakespeare play and the last production I saw before this was a very serious one in London. Susanna Hamnett has changed all of that. Totally mesmerising from start to finish. This virtuoso performance deserves all the glowing reviews it has had. The real tragedy is that there are only two more opportunities to see it at this year’s Fringe. Buy some tickets and enjoy.
Richard Beales 38 days ago
This is a surprising, touching and brilliantly performed take on King Lear. Susanna Hamnett portrays all the characters distinctly and with humour and subtlety. If you think Lear is an inaccessible play, this angle on it may change your mind. Go and see it!
Oliver Kletz 39 days ago
Susanna Hamnett takes the story of Lear and reimagines it through the lens of an often forgotten character. The result is an intense, incredibly funny, deeply moving performance. Some creative license is taken with the plot and characters, but for an hour and twenty minute one-person production, it is remarkably comprehensive and explores all the main themes. My desire would have been to have the Fool - or Noreen - share some of her Elizabethan counterpart's cynicism, but Hamnett's characterisation gave us someone who was genuine, thoughtful, lonely, and kind through which to view the story. Five stars!!!
James Nicholas 39 days ago
Wow! Just saw this performance and was absolutely blown away. Extraordinary storytelling, sharp characterisations, effective staging and lovely touches of humour. Will appeal to fans of Shakespeare and those less familiar with King Lear. But above all a powerful and compelling performance from Susanna Hamnet. Just incredible!
DAN 39 days ago
Great performance this. Susanna Hamnett’s one person take on Lear is funny and moving in equal measure. She expertly holds you with her wonderful clowning and gentle audience interaction. Go see it!
Alan Caig Wilson 39 days ago
What a brilliant show. Rich and inventive, taking you on a totally unexpected tour of Shakespeare's play, lifting out the story and drawing in the characters, all through the quirky eyes of Lear's Fool Norris aka Noreen (who comes from somewhere between Edinburgh and Aberdeen by the sound of things!). Susanna Hamnet's energetic ability to tell stories is infectious and from the heart. Those of you who know Shakespeare will know the difficulty of doing the storm scenes - this show has one of the best I have ever experienced. Go along you will LOVE this show and it will set you up for the rest of your EdFest evening.
Chris Grady 41 days ago
Occasionally at the fringe you stumble upon a level of professionalism and consummate storytelling skill which takes a whole audience on a journey through the known and unknown. Susanna Hamnett is a wonderful fool and multiple role player. Through the eyes of her Fool we encounter King Lear at a length and depth which should delight both teacher and even reluctant students. 80 minutes of comedy and tragedy woven across time and space. Thank you. Special mention also to the soundscape and lighting which made Space45 feel the absolutely perfect place for the show. Grab a ticket if you can.
Joe Janes 42 days ago
Holy crap, this is brilliant!
Catherine S 42 days ago
A fantastically engaging and surprisingly funny retelling of King Lear. A must see if you're a fan of the show or Shakespeare at all, and worth the trip just to see Susanna's excellent control of the whole cast of characters and even the audience at times.
JM 43 days ago
This was a fun, creative solo retelling of King Lear. Susanna Hamnet is a joy to watch—very expressive and engaging. The play included nice staging, lighting, and sound effects. This was a real treat!
Patricia Glennie 44 days ago
Absolutely outstanding. Extraordinary performance combining intelligent interpretation of the play with comedy which engaged the whole audience. Children in the audience enjoyed it as much as the adults.
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FringeReview 34 days ago
West End Best Friend 36 days ago
EdinburghGuide.com 38 days ago
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.