Discovering Hamlet

IN 1988, rising star Kenneth Branagh tackled the role of Shakespeare’s prince of Denmark for the first time in his professional career under the guidance of celebrated actor Derek Jacobi. Narrated by Patrick Stewart, this hour-long film documents how Kenneth Branagh and Derek Jacobi, two intelligent and passionate men, found new depths in Shakespeare’s classic drama, Hamlet. Filmmakers Mark Olshaker and Larry Klein follow the company through four weeks of rehearsals, from the first read-throughs to opening night.

Cast

Derek Jacobi

Himself

Kenneth Branagh

Himself / Hamlet

Richard Easton

Himself / Claudius

Patrick Stewart

Narrator

Richard Clifford

Himself / Horatio

Edward Jewesbury

Himself / Polonius

David Parfitt

Himself / Rosencrantz

Sophie Thompson

Herself / Ophelia

Jay Villiers

Himself / Laertes

Jimmy Yuill

Himself / Guildenstern