‘Grand Theft Hamlet’ is Shakespeare performed in GTA Online, and it’s genius

Welcome to perhaps the most brilliant gaming story you’ll read in 2024… that actually took place in 2021, when Covid had gripped the world.

A couple of theatre actors called Sam and Mark are whiling away their days playing Grand Theft Auto Online, “when they stumble across a theatre” in the game. Wouldn’t it be amazing to do a full, online, virtual production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, they pondered? To be, or not to be?

“I think it’s a terrible idea, but I definitely think we should try and do it.”

So it’s Be, as it turns out. Very much Be. And this trailer for the film that’s out in selected cinemas now reveals the hilarious, brilliant idea and its development.

Because much like the young prince of Denmark, 'one may smile and smile and be a villain'... especially when the actors plead with other gamers to stopping offing each other while rehearsing, for example. Told you it was hilarious.

And brilliant, too, at least according to the raft of recognition it’s received thus far. Like being selected for the BFI London, Melbourne and Rome film festivals, and winning the VIFF Audience Award. And the SXSW film and TV festival ‘documentary feature jury award’. And nominated for two BIFAs. And a five-star review from The Guardian.

“This film charts their ridiculous, hilarious and moving adventure as they battle violent griefers and discover surprising truths about life, friendship, and the enduring power of Shakespeare,” the film’s blurb reads.

You’ll have to watch it to find out if it is indeed nobler to suffer the slings and arrows of… a bunch of gamers trying to off you while trying to recite Hamlet.