Acting : The Claudius diaries: Final entry by Steve James

We are always aware that - once the play hits the stage for real, has technical additions added in and timing becomes more important than ever before - things change. Of course, all of this means changes right at the last minute - most tech. runs, 'Q2Q' and dress runs happen the day before, or even hours before - opening night. It wasn't until the day before opening night for our Hamlet that I realized that I couldn't make the change between Ghost and King in time without looking a mess; uncombed hair, costume awry and no time to check my look before hitting the stage for the Coronation scene, when Claudius is supposed to look immaculate.

The answer? Play him drunk! It's mentioned a few times throughout the play that Claudius is a drinker, so why not show it: A choice that makes him look nervous and unprepared for the Kingship he has murdered for. Now, there is an immediate question about him and gave me the opportunity to hit Act 1 Scene 2 very hard: This is the reason it is SO important to him that Hamlet remain in Elsinore: We have all been in that stage of inebriation, when small things become very large in our lives. This is the perfect way for it to come out.

Suddenly, Claudius became untrustworthy, shifty and you just didn't trust him - perfect! This change helped me to 'find the guy' more completely and I felt much more relaxed about him. Hopefully, it made him clearer to the audience, too! I even dropped some comedy in by giving 'the royal wave' when I entered in public.

So, it's all over and I'm catching up on sleep. All-in-all I'm proud of the character and the presentation of the guy. Director was happy, Audience reaction was good. Personally, the role gave me four great experiences: To quote the Bard onstage, to play the villain, to be the King and to die a horrible death on stage!

if only the Microphone for the ghost (pictured) could be relied on to work! oh, well......