HAMLET
"In the corrupted currents of this world
Offence's gilded hand may shove by justice"
Actors from Whale Chorus’s 2025 Shakespeare Ensemble perform a bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s tragic masterpiece Hamlet at Newcastle’s Fort Scratchley. In this guided walking performance, you will experience curated scenes from Hamlet immersed in the unique and atmospheric locations of the Fort.
Hamlet is a young man haunted by grief. His father, the King, is dead. His mother quickly marries his uncle. And just when he feels he may be losing his mind, the ghost of his father appears—begging him to avenge his murder. He is gripped with a crisis of conscience; should he suffer through injustice or take action and risk it all?
Enter through the great gates and travel into the locked rooms, dark tunnels and hidden corners of the Fort to discover Hamlet’s story. 14 local actors will present curated scenes in the culmination of an intensive actor training program and transform our beloved local site into the gothic coastal castle of Elsinore. This is Hamlet as you’ve never seen it before—site-specific, gripping, with an adapted retelling under the rising full moon.
HAMLET
Limited Summer Season!
Dates: Dec 5th-7th (Dec 4th preview)
Times: 4.30pm & 7pm
Running time: 70mins
Tickets: $45 (full) | $39 (conc) | $25 (preview)
Location: Fort Scratchley, 1/3 Nobbys Rd, Newcastle East
Access: Our Saturday Dec 7th 4.30pm performance will include the option of an adjusted track for audience members with low mobility and wheelchair users.
IMPORTANT AUDIENCE ADVICE
Fort Scratchley is an atmospheric, historic coastal fort in Newcastle — expect tunnels, narrow corridors and amazing harbour views.
Please note that this is an outdoor walking performance and will go ahead in the event of light rain and wind. Please bring appropriate gear for the weather of the day including hats, sunscreen and/or raincoats.
ACCESS
The Fort Scratchley Historic Site can be accessed by people with a range of mobility but it should be noted that there is uneven ground on site. There is also a significant incline to reach the top of the site. This performance will also involve going into the tunnels which have stairs, uneven ground and narrow walkways.
Our Saturday Dec 6th at 4.30pm performance will include the option of an adjusted track for audience members with low mobility and wheelchair users. This track will not go into the tunnels or use stairs. However it is worth noting that there is uneven ground and a significant incline onsite. Additionally, there are accessible toilets on site and designated accessible parking bays adjacent to the Function Centre.
Please note: No animals are permitted inside Fort Scratchley grounds excepting registered companion animals.
If you have any further questions about accessing this performance please contact us and we’d be happy to help.
VENUE INFORMATION
- Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance times. Start times are strict and lockouts will apply, so please allow yourself enough time to make it to the venue and enjoy the show
- Parking: There is some parking available at the venue. Additionally, parking can be found at Nobbys Beach carpark and street parking nearby the venue. Please allow ample time to find a park if travelling by car
- Public Transport: The Newcastle beach tram stop is just 10 minutes walk from Fort Scratchley
Also check out other Arts events in Newcastle, Theatre events in Newcastle, Workshops in Newcastle.
