Gyles Brandreth makes Hamlet a family affair

The broadcaster/comic/ex-MP-Edinburgh-winner/talking head/Countdown king with the impeccable suits and cut-glass geniality is headed to the Park Theatre this summer - in one of Shakespeare's most famous dramas. Once booed off-stage during a disastrous early attempt at playing Hamlet, the irrepressible Gyles Brandreth is ready to reprise the role - in a special short version of the Bard's play aimed for children. Joined by his son Benet Brandreth and daughter-in-law Kosha Engler, this family affair provides a new take on the Danish prince, with direction by Simon Evans (Arturo Ui, The Dazzle, A Midsummer Night's Dream)

This version of Hamlet is stripped to its core and highlights the claustrophobic intensity at this rather tense family gathering. A departure from his usual upbeat stage shows such as the 2014 Looking For Happiness and his regular one-man shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, Brandreth's return to the London stage as Hamlet will be as different as it gets!