The Hamlet Podcast

The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Act II, Scene ii - Voltemand describes the diplomatic mission to Norway and its results. Written and presented by Conor Hanratty.

The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Act II, Scene ii - Polonius comes to Claudius and Gertrude with an explanation of Hamlet's lunacy - and the ambassadors from Norway. Written and presented by Conor Hanratty.

The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Act II, Scene ii - Claudius and Gertrude tell Rosencrantz and Guildenstern what they want. Written and presented by Conor Hanratty.

The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Act II, Scene ii - Claudius and Gertrude welcome Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to court. Written and presented by Conor Hanratty.

The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Act II, Scene i - Polonius responds tenderly to Ophelia's story and decides what to do next. Written and presented by Conor Hanratty.

The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Act II, Scene i - Ophelia comes to Polonius after an alarming encounter with Hamlet. Written and presented by Conor Hanratty.

Dive into the cunning world of Polonius as he crafts his master plan to control his son Laertes from afar. Explore the nuances of parental guidance contrasted with youthful recklessness, complete with a touch of humor. Discover how deception weaves into wisdom and the intricate dance between expectations and the realities of young adulthood.

Explore the intriguing dynamics of Polonius's manipulative parenting in Hamlet. Discover how his espionage reveals deep moral ambiguities about influence and judgment. The discussion highlights the complexities of parental authority and the societal pressures faced by youth. Delve into the layers of misinformation and the gendered perceptions within the play, painting a vivid picture of Shakespeare's nuanced character interactions.

Dive into the intriguing world of Shakespeare's Hamlet as Polonius sends Reynaldo on a covert mission to Paris. The conversation reveals complex character motivations, highlighting themes of trust and espionage. Parents' worries drive the need for surveillance, showcasing the unique lengths they go to protect their children. Explore how deception and concern intertwine in the political dynamics of the court, revealing a darker side of familial relationships.

In this bonus episode, we pay homage to the life and contribution of the great Shakespearean director and teacher - and one of the founders of the Royal Shakespeare Company - John Barton.