ALAS, poor weather has caused a change of location for Hamlet. The Lighthouse Poole has announced that the performances of Hamlet at Upton Country Park on Sunday and Monday will now take place in front of the beautiful backdrop of the house rather than the Walled Garden, which has been deemed unsuitable for both the staging and audience.

Weather forecasts suggest dry conditions for both Sunday and Monday but audiences are asked to bring chairs rather than blankets to sit on and take precautions to keep warm and dry.

Using a small troupe of actors, the company will be presenting a stripped-down version of Shakespeare’s classic play Hamlet in the open air setting, reviving the old Globe principle of outdoor playing. Learning of the king, his father’s, death, Hamlet comes home to find his uncle married to his mother and installed on the Danish throne. At night, the ghost of the old king demands that Hamlet avenge his ‘foul and most unnatural murder’.

Encompassing political intrigue and sexual obsession, philosophical reflection and violent action, tragic depth and wild humour, Hamlet is the fullest expression of Shakespeare’s genius.

Artistic director of the Globe, Dominic Dromgoole and Globe regular Bill Buckhurst will co-direct Hamlet, which is widely considered to be Shakespeare’s masterpiece.

Refreshments will be available and for more up to date information check the Lighthouse website lighthousepoole.co.uk or phone the ticket office on 0844 406 8666.