“I Hate Hamlet” Brings Swordplay, Spectres, and Self-Doubt to the Stage—And It’s a Hit

In Kanata Theatre’s production of I Hate Hamlet, Andrew Rally, a successful television actor fresh from a Hollywood medical sitcom, finds himself swapping the West Coast sun for a summer stint in New York City. His mission? To play the most daunting role in English theatre—Hamlet—with a Shakespeare in the Park troupe.

Playwright Paul Rudnick’s witty and clever comedy explores the inner turmoil of a man—not unlike Hamlet himself—grappling with insecurity, artistic doubt, and the eternal question of purpose. Andrew, whose face once splashed across magazine covers beside the gum racks at every supermarket checkout, may have tasted fame, but he’s still unsure of who he is and what he wants.

The play opens with Andrew arriving at his new apartment—boxes, drop cloths, and all—accompanied by his wildly enthusiastic real estate agent, Felicia (Les Bunbury), who has secured for him none other than the former apartment of the legendary John Barrymore. Barrymore, famed for his record-breaking run as Hamlet, haunts the apartment in more ways than one. With its moody, gothic design, the space is less cozy New York pad and more of a theatrical lair—an excellent metaphor for the internal drama about to unfold.

Andrew, it turns out, isn’t a fan of Hamlet—or Shakespeare, for that matter—and doesn’t believe he has the chops to pull off the role. Josh Sparks captures Andrew’s casual charm and sitcom swagger perfectly. His resistance to the East Coast aesthetic and classical theatre mirrors Hamlet’s own famous indecision. Could this conflicted, fame-weary actor be a modern-day prince of Denmark?

His girlfriend Deirdre (Shirley Manh), who joins him in New York, is thrilled by the opportunity—and by the romance of it all. Deirdre, an actress and Shakespeare enthusiast, sees Andrew’s casting as destiny. But she, too, has her doubts. Still holding fast to her chastity, she dreams of a love as enduring as her parents’ and wonders whether Andrew is truly “the one.” Her own “to be or not to be” moment looms.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The ghost of John Barrymore (Chris Cottrell) dances with Lillian (Juli Heney); Andrew (Josh Sparks) and his girlfriend, actress Deirdre (Shirley Manh); real estate agent Felicia (Les Bunbury) shares a moment with Barrymore’s ghost; Andrew and Deirdre with the ghost of John Barrymore together. (PHOTOS: ALEX HENKELMAN PHOTOGRAPHY)

The remaining cast is all strong. Juli Heney is sharp as Andrew’s agent Lillian, while Adam Pelletier brings big laughs as his flashy LA friend and screenwriter, Gary. But the standout is Chris Cottrell as the ghost of John Barrymore, who describes himself with panache as “actor, legend, and corpse.” Cottrell delivers an irresistibly theatrical performance that steals every scene he’s in.

Under the direction of Stavros Sakiadis, the production crackles with energy. A particularly memorable moment is the sword fight between Barrymore and Andrew—a highlight both technically and emotionally, marking Andrew’s turning point as he finally embraces his inner Hamlet. The fight choreography is flawless, tight, and exciting.

The gothic apartment set is a triumph. Transporting the audience into Barrymore’s spectral domain, it becomes not only the backdrop but a character in its own right—suggesting that perhaps greatness can be inherited, if only you’re willing to confront your fears.

In the end, I Hate Hamlet is more than just a comedy about acting; it’s a smart, self-aware exploration of self-doubt, legacy, and the courage it takes to step into a role—onstage or off.

Kanata Theatre’s production is the final offering of their 2025 season, and it’s a winner.

Don’t miss your chance to catch this crowd-pleasing play before it closes on Saturday, May 17th. And while you’re at it, consider reserving your 5-play subscription for next season.

Kanata Theatre is easily accessible off the Queensway, with plenty of free parking. Visit the Kanata Theatre website for tickets and more details.

Photos: Alex Henkelman Photography