A THEATRE company is to perform Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Abingdon with a Down’s syndrome actor taking the title role for the first time.

Tommy Jessop, whose work includes a lead role in the BAFTA-nominated BBC show Coming Down the Mountain, is touring with Winchester-based Blue Apple Theatre, one of the leading disability arts companies in the south which creates opportunities for actors with learning disabilities to perform in mainstream productions.

The play is being staged at the Unicorn Theatre, Abingdon, next Tuesday, May 8, at 7pm as part of a UK tour.

Jane Jessop, founding director of Blue Apple Theatre, said Hamlet had been chosen as “the ultimate Shakespeare play” that would challenge both the cast and the audience.

She said: “All that actors with learning disabilities can mostly get is a supporting role so to put someone like Tommy with Down’s syndrome on stage as Hamlet, one of the highest profile roles in the whole of world literature, is extremely exciting.

“Watching it is like seeing a miracle, knowing what the prognosis is for people when they’re born with Down’s syndrome and how so little is expected of them,” she added.

“Shakespeare speaks to us all. I believe this will be extremely thought-provoking, powerful and utterly moving and we will all, cast and audiences, gain something wonderful from this production.”

The actors at Blue Apple Theatre have a range of disabilities, such as autism, including Asperger syndrome, Down’s syndrome and behavioural difficulties. The discipline, challenge and excitement of learning lines, rehearsing and putting on a play helps them to develop new skills and increase their self-esteem, confidence and independence.

Blue Apple’s Hamlet has been adapted by scriptwriter and film-maker William Jessop, 29, who has shortened the 210-minute play to just 70 minutes, without losing the key elements of the drama.

He said: “It’s unquestionably unadulterated Hamlet but is just shorter and sharper. This is the most ambitious play we’ve done, as it’s been comedy up until now. There are dark, adult themes with adultery, murder and revenge, but the actors love the gory bits and the blood and thunder.

“I’ve kept Shakespeare’s original language, so the key challenge has been to work closely with each actor to make sure they understand and own everything they’re saying and make each part their own.”

Tommy, 27, who has featured in TV hospital shows Casualty and Holby City and in afternoon plays on BBC Radio 4, described Hamlet as his most difficult role to date.

He said: “Learning the lines has been challenging, as Hamlet’s in almost every other scene, and there’s a range of emotions to put across. There’s a bit of sadness, a bit of happiness and a bit of anger.”

To book tickets, phone the Unicorn Theatre on 07531 492637 or visit www.abingdonabbey-unicorntheatre.org.uk, or to see a full list of tour venues and dates visit www.blueappletheatre.hampshire.org.uk/hamlet