John Haidar News Today

A world premiere play coming next summer in Bristol

The BBC is celebrating this extraordinary anniversary with an ambitious season of content across TV, Radio, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds

This is a Hamlet for fans of speed-dating. It comes in at just over the two-hour mark, which is standard for a feature film. But considering the uncut text runs to four hours, as it did in the 1996 Kenneth Branagh film (and his earlier stage production), big chunks of text have clearly gone missing.

John Haidar’s production of Hamlet ... is a briskly modern piece which fizzes with primal urges, adding a new lens to a a familiar text. Very accessible to those new to the play, and a thoughtful treatment for those who know the plot well, this Hamlet is a 'palpable hit'.

Our roundup of drama to watch at home includes Alan Ayckbourn’s 87th play, live performance from Ukraine and a concert of lost showtunes

PATRICK MARMION: After nearly three hours spent bearing witness to the Elton John musical about American TV evangelist and gay icon Tammy Faye Messner, I said a little prayer.

John Haidar directs a dark and pacey psychological thriller with an impressive cast

John Haidar's production runs until 12 November

With inky backdrops, jagged sound and frenzied violence, John Haidar’s production stars Billy Howle as a prince emanating unhinged anger

Going behind the scenes with Isabel Adomakoh Young (Horatio) and Catrin Stewart (Guildenstern)