The Hamlet Podcast
Conor Hanratty
A weekly podcast now exploring Shakespeare's Macbeth. Every episode covers approximately 30 lines of the play - week by week, until we finish sometime in 2023!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 28, 2019 • 13min
Episode 93 - The Lady Doth Protest Too Much
Dive into Hamlet's emotional turmoil as the Player Queen makes a vow of loyalty, mirroring the prince's struggles. Discover the tension and guilt that emerge in pivotal scenes, especially Gertrude's haunting line and Hamlet's sharp retorts. Unpack the complexities of Hamlet's relationship with Ophelia, exploring his conflicted feelings and biting remarks. The podcast highlights themes of revenge and deception while illuminating the intricacies of human emotions in Shakespeare's masterwork.

Jul 14, 2019 • 9min
Episode 92 - Die Thy Thoughts
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Act III, Scene ii - The King concludes his speech, and the Queen makes a very melodramatic promise.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty.

Jul 7, 2019 • 7min
Episode 91 - What We Do Determine Oft We Break
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Act III, Scene ii - The Player King answers - but is this speech by Hamlet?
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty.

Jun 30, 2019 • 8min
Episode 90 - Wormwood
Delve into the intricacies of deceit in Shakespeare's masterpiece as Hamlet and Horatio scrutinize Claudius during a revealing performance. Explore Gertrude's conflicting emotions of love and fear, showcased through the powerful act of a play within a play. Witness Hamlet's cunning manipulation of this theatrical moment to confront his mother's decisions on loyalty and remarriage, deepening the drama's emotional landscape.

Jun 23, 2019 • 9min
Episode 89 - Is This A Prologue?
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Act III, Scene ii - Hamlet is still determined to make fun of Ophelia, while an actor enters to give a surprisingly short Prologue to the play.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty.

Jun 16, 2019 • 11min
Episode 88 - The Hobbyhorse is Forgot
Delve into the tumultuous relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia, where madness collides with sharp insights. Explore the intriguing concept of the 'hobby horse' reflecting societal views on promiscuity. Unravel the historic significance of the 'dumb show'—a clever nod to evolving theater conventions. The podcast highlights dramatic foreshadowing, revealing deep character motivations and intertwining past and present themes.

Jun 9, 2019 • 11min
Episode 87 - Country Matters
Dive into the theatrical intricacies of Hamlet as clever wordplay and humor reveal the complexities of relationships. Explore the cruel dance of madness and rejection between Hamlet and Ophelia, highlighting the emotional turmoil and harsh treatment she endures. The podcast uncovers themes of manipulation, appearance vs. reality, and sets the stage for deeper narrative explorations. It's a fascinating look at Shakespeare's timeless characters and the chaotic world they inhabit.

4 snips
Jun 2, 2019 • 10min
Episode 86 - The Chameleon's Dish
Dive into Hamlet's internal struggle as he reveals his plan to expose King Claudius's guilt through a clever play. The tension rises with each interaction, showcasing Hamlet's adaptability as he navigates courtly dynamics. Experience the blend of intrigue and drama as the characters react and the stakes soar, all while Hamlet wrestles with doubts about the ghost's true intentions.

May 26, 2019 • 8min
Episode 85 - My Heart of Heart
Dive into the essence of true friendship as Hamlet shares his deep admiration for Horatio, revealing the pitfalls of flattery. Discover the intriguing strategy they devise to expose King Claudius using a theatrical performance. The tension rises as they navigate the chaotic backdrop of betrayal and loss, highlighting the emotional stakes of seeking truth. The bond between these characters shines through, emphasizing the significance of genuine connections in a world filled with deception.

May 19, 2019 • 10min
Episode 84 - Some Necessary Question
Dive into Hamlet's critique of theatrical practices, where he insists actors stick to the script. Explore the deep friendship between Hamlet and Horatio, highlighting themes of authenticity in a world full of deceit. Tensions rise as the players prepare for a transformative performance, bridging the gap between audience and actors. This exploration reveals not just the art of acting but the essence of true camaraderie amid chaos.


