
Discovering Hamlet
Synopsis
IN 1988, rising star Kenneth Branagh tackled the role of Shakespeare’s prince of Denmark for the first time in his professional career under the guidance of celebrated actor Derek Jacobi. Narrated by Patrick Stewart, this hour-long film documents how Kenneth Branagh and Derek Jacobi, two intelligent and passionate men, found new depths in Shakespeare’s classic drama, Hamlet. Filmmakers Mark Olshaker and Larry Klein follow the company through four weeks of rehearsals, from the first read-throughs to opening night.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Derek Jacobi
Himself
Kenneth Branagh
Himself / Hamlet
Richard Easton
Himself / Claudius
Patrick Stewart
Narrator
Richard Clifford
Himself / Horatio
Edward Jewesbury
Himself / Polonius
David Parfitt
Himself / Rosencrantz
Sophie Thompson
Herself / Ophelia
Jay Villiers
Himself / Laertes
Jimmy Yuill
Himself / Guildenstern
Release History & Theatrical Window
January 7, 1990
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Mark Olshaker
- Screenplay & Story
- Mark Olshaker
- Original Title
- Discovering Hamlet
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 52m
- Production Studios
- Unicorn Projects
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Mark Olshaker
Mark Olshaker
Larry Klein
Department Leadership Roster
Mark Olshaker
Director
Mark Olshaker
Writer
Larry Klein
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Discovering Hamlet.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Discovering Hamlet
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Discovering Hamlet about?
IN 1988, rising star Kenneth Branagh tackled the role of Shakespeare’s prince of Denmark for the first time in his professional career under the guidance of celebrated actor Derek Jacobi. Narrated by Patrick Stewart, this hour-long film documents how Kenneth Branagh and Derek Jacobi, two intelligent and passionate men, found new depths in Shakespeare’s classic drama, Hamlet. Filmmakers Mark Olshaker and Larry Klein follow the company through four weeks of rehearsals, from the first read-throughs to opening night.
Who directed Discovering Hamlet?
Discovering Hamlet was directed by Mark Olshaker.
Who stars in Discovering Hamlet?
The principal cast of Discovering Hamlet includes Derek Jacobi, Kenneth Branagh, Richard Easton, Patrick Stewart, Richard Clifford.
When was Discovering Hamlet released and how long is it?
Discovering Hamlet was released in 1990 with a total runtime of 52m.



















