Performing Hamlet: Actors in the modern age by Jonathan Croall

'To be or not to be’ is probably the most famous Shakespearean line in the canon; everybody knows it and there's an almost equally large group who will strike a pose, grab an object and declaim ‘Alas, poor Yorick!’ Any book that reflects the huge range of actors who have attempted the role through time is an interesting read.

This is really a book in three parts: firstly, a stage history up to the 1950s; a decade by decade survey of all the actors who have played Hamlet from the 1950s, which includes discussion with the directors and critics (and sometimes designers); and an in-depth rehearsal process recording of Simon Russell Beale's Hamlet at the National Theatre.

This is the kind of book on which your initial reaction is to dip in and out or look for the first Hamlet that you saw (Derek Jacobi for me, which I know dates me!), or the one that had the biggest impact on you. It's an easy and informative read and something of a pleasure.

For the non-Hamlet fans among us, it's also useful as a reflection on a range of different actors’ processes working with directors and a strong study of different approaches to a classic text. As such it's a pity that the few illustrations focus on the actors rather than some details of the design.

A fascinating read for anyone interested in interpretation in the theatre; a must for Hamlet nuts!