Fat Ham
Shakespeare has been adapted into many different eras and scenarios and has used gender in various guises over time, but nothing has quite been done in the same way as writer James Ijames has with Fat Ham….and it is brilliant!
Taking elements of Hamlet and adding them to a totally new story giving it not only a modern interpretation, but an ownership. An insight to our choice’s and how our family and surroundings doesn’t have to dictate who we are. Setting the story in Southern America, it’s true when they say authentic writing comes from what you know, and these characters certainly show this at its best.
Juicy is a queer college kid from the South, struggling to discover who he is. Then his father dies, and his mum marries his uncle, and the ghost of his father appears in the garden and demands Juicy seeks vengeance for his murder by murdering his uncle. It’s a lot!
As a family barbecue descends into an analysis of love, loss, pain, and joy, it asks us what makes us who we are? What dictates how we act? And how much does it take to regain control of our true selves?
Olisa Odele plays Juicy, his performance plays his characters vulnerability hand in hand with his need to stand up for himself, whilst trying not to upset the people he cares about, something we can all relate to.
His friend Tio is played by Kieran Taylor-Ford, who puts in an hilarious portrayal, his stories are way out of most people’s comfort zones, delivered fantastically and I defy anyone not to laugh out loud.
Sulu Rimi as Rev/Pap (the father and the uncle) delivers an uncomfortable depiction of toxic masculinity, it’s hard not to hope that he comes to a nasty end in the same way that Hamlet’s uncle finally does.
It’s a small, talented cast which also includes Sandra Marvin as Rabby, Jasmine Elcock as Opal, and Andi Osho as Tedra. Mention must go to Corey Montague-Sholay as Larry, his depiction of the bland and quiet parent pleaser to the person he really wants to be is heart warming and his finale is just stunning (no spoilers).
Sideeq Heard’s direction makes this is an important and relatable piece of theatre, particularly for a younger audience. It’s funny, it’s unafraid and it’s brilliantly played out.
In a world where we struggle to find our real selves, (because we live most of our life’s online), it’s a debate about how much we live to please others and how we conduct ourselves in certain ways because that’s what we have been taught by our older relatives and the people we have grown up around. The discovery that this is not always something that we agree with and how we can step away from those ideals to be our true person is a scary journey, but one that will always be worth taking the risks.
This show was reviewed on the 20th August 2025 at The RSC, Stratford upon Avon where it runs until the 13th September 2025. Tickets available here: Fat Ham | About the Play | Royal Shakespeare Company
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
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Photo credit: Ali Wright
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