Greenwich Theatre are delighted to invite you to the free Silver Screen premiere of Stephen Berkoff’s The Secret Love Life of Ophelia.

The relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia is one of the most tragic in all of Shakespeare’s plays, but so much of their burgeoning love affair is unwritten. The Secret Love Life Of Ophelia seeks to fill in the gaps, revealing the growth of that young love through an exchange of letters between the two characters which are both intimate and direct, tender and passionate.

The Secret Love Life Of Ophelia was adapted to an online production in direct response to the closure of theatres, but with the reopening of some venues we are delighted to present this exclusive screening to our Greenwich Theatre Friends.

This 90 minute film will see the letters reimagined as video messages and a cast of 40 exceptional actors, including our patron Dame Helen Mirren, coming together to perform them. Together this diverse cast will reveal just how universal the experiences of the young lovers are.

Due to current social distancing measures this free event is capped at 30 tickets. The exclusive priority booking code has been sent via email. We recommend you book in advance as tickets will go quickly!

The screening starts at 7:30pm with the bar open from 6pm, seats are allocated on a first come first served basis so why not come down early and have a chat with Artistic Director James Haddrell and members of the cast themselves!

WHAT THE REVIEWS SAY…

“artistic director James Haddrell has had the provocative idea of turning the text into phone video messages delivered by more than three dozen young and emerging actors, all recorded in isolation… this venture will help open doors for the next generation.” The Times

“Berkoff’s version gives the story, and particularly Ophelia, the depth and autonomy deserved, in a romance often overshadowed by the tale of Hamlet himself… the precise capturing of a first love’s sheer fervour cannot be denied in this collective, bittersweet narration.” The Upcoming

“the big success of the project comes with the richness and variety of the performances” Reviews Hub

“[Mirren] is mesmerising… So, too, is the rest of the cast, each of whom manages in their brief appearances to create a credible and individual persona” Greenwich Visitor

“This production’s support of new talent should certainly be applauded… these actors show great promise. There are some particular standouts.” BroadwayWorldUK

“bravo to Greenwich for coming up with such a novel way of raising their own profile and that of some of the next generation of actors. Hopefully, they will not have to wait too long to be working on a real stage.” 2nd from bottom

“director James Haddrell has found an ingenious solution to staging it within socially distanced guidelines while giving work to a large company of young actors… thirty nine actors of differing accents and ethnicities but equal intensity play the pair…” Sunday Express

“a perfect piece of drama for an online production… an imaginative and original piece of online theatre, which has made the best out of the current situation. Often tender and poignant, and well performed throughout, this interesting piece of drama adds a new slant to an old play in a new way.” North West End