Shakespeare's Hamlet has captivated audiences across the globe for more than 400 years, with lines such as "to be or not to be, that is the question" still quoted to this day.

But the Royal Shakespeare Company has added a new twist to the powerful tale - and one that certainly wowed the audiences at Norwich Theatre Royal.

Directed by Rupert Goold, the Danish court has set sail in 1912, with the story unfolding completely at sea and in a matter of just hours.

The tragedy is set aboard the Titanic (Image: Marc Brenner)

And for those who know their history, the year may ring some alarm bells.

The tragedy is set aboard the Titanic - the ship in one of the most devastating maritime disasters in history.

While some traditionalists may find the interweaving of Shakespearean English and the buzz of champagne and dance a little jolting, this is something I thoroughly enjoyed.

From the marvellous sea shanty performance at the very beginning, I was hooked.

Ralph Davis as Hamlet (Image: Marc Brenner)

Georgia Mae-Myers as Ophelia (Image: Marc Brenner)

The cast were exceptional from start to finish, achieving both laughter and complete silence from the audience at just the right moments.

Davis' performance of the torn Hamlet, battling with insurmountable grief and rage, was extraordinary and Georgia-Mae Myers portrayal of Ophelia was phenomenal.

Sound and technical problems pressed pause on the show before the interval, but the actors resumed professionally, drawing us back into the performance effortlessly.

One of the most striking elements of the play was the red flashing clock at the sides of the stage.

Poppy Miller as Gertrude and Raymond Coulthard as Claudius in Royal Shakespeare Company's Hamlet 2026 (Image: Marc Brenner)

Richard Cant as Polonius (Image: Marc Brenner)

Beginning at 21.06 on April 14, 1912 and the final one being 01.09am the next day, the timings mirrored those recorded in the final hours of the Titanic.

It gave the sense of pending doom from the start, counting down to the tragic chain of events that unravel and keeping us on the edge of our seats throughout.

This is truly a play not to miss.

Hamlet is on at Norwich Theatre Royal until March 14.

© Eastern Daily Press