Last night blew my mind. Not because I haven’t seen Shakespearian plays before, or even modern adaptations, but this was neither of those things. Somehow the Artist Collective found an actor who is capable of time transfer. If he didn’t teleport here from the 15th Century then he is simply a thespian the ranks of which we very rarely see anymore.

Ben Francis is actually a graduate of the master class program at the Company of Rogues Actors Studio, and studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. His portrayal of Hamlet is akin to Claire Foy’s of the Queen. It is spot on.

All the actors in this ‘choose your own adventure’ theatrical experience is commendable. Set in the multi-chambered space of A/Maze Escape Room, viewers are granted the unique experience of wandering room to room to view the aspects of Hamlet they choose. For example, Ophelia dressing and singing to herself behind a change screen in one corridor, while Gertrude and King Claudius speak in another, all while Horatio cinches the past and present in a front room.

The result director Amanda Liz Cutting has created is both intimate and entertaining. No more than 30 participants will be admitted into each showing, of which there are two per night until Halloween. The actors do not falter despite the challenging and wordy script, and the centimetres between themselves and their audience. It is truly a feat that only a devoted artiste could pull off, and indeed this cast does.

Mocktails and candy are provided, with snacks and sodas for sale at intermission. Sadly this is not a licensed event, which I think it should be. Wine would mix better with Hamlet than grenadine. The show runs 90 minutes with a 15-minute break. Show times are at 8pm and 10:30pm nightly, and tickets are $35.

Amid the costumed parties and sugar overloads the spooky season entails, don’t miss this haunted spectacle of Hamlet. Let the odious torment of the Prince of Denmark’s bewilderment whisk you ’round the haunted chambers of a small basement labyrinth on 11th Ave SE for a glorious hour and a half of true Elizabethan theatre. You won’t be tricked, for ‘tis a treat.

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Contributor Janine Eva Trotta |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Theatre |