Hilarious 'Waiting for Hamlet' Brings Shakespearean Odd Couple to Adelaide Fringe

New York actors Christopher Gibbs and Mark Liebert star as the ghost of King Hamlet and his jester Yorick in this award-winning play.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:18pm

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The play "Waiting for Hamlet" by David Visick, winner of the Kenneth Branagh New Drama Writing Award in 2018 and the OnComm Award in 2020, has come to the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Originally intended to premiere at the 2020 Fringe, the production was delayed due to COVID-19 but is now being performed live by American actors Christopher Gibbs and Mark Liebert as King Hamlet and Yorick. The two actors bring a fresh, comedic take on the Shakespearean characters, with Gibbs portraying the arrogant, upper-class King and Liebert delivering a more physical, working-class Yorick. Despite the limited run of only three shows, the production is being praised as a "rare gem" of the Fringe festival.

Why it matters

"Waiting for Hamlet" offers a unique spin on classic Shakespearean characters, breathing new life into the Bard's work through a comedic lens. The contrasting personalities and performances of the two lead actors highlight the enduring appeal of Shakespeare's timeless stories and their ability to be reinterpreted for modern audiences. The play's recognition through prestigious awards also underscores its artistic merit and the continued relevance of exploring Shakespearean themes in contemporary theater.

The details

In "Waiting for Hamlet", the ghosts of King Hamlet and his jester Yorick engage in a lively conversation in the afterlife. The King wishes to return to the living world to direct his son Hamlet's actions and enact his revenge, while Yorick tries to persuade him to move on. The American cast, led by Christopher Gibbs as the King and Mark Liebert as Yorick, brings a fresh dynamic to the characters, with Gibbs portraying the King as an arrogant, upper-class figure and Liebert delivering a more physical, working-class Yorick. The contrast extends to their costumes, with Gibbs in a tailored, regal suit and Liebert in a vibrant, jester-like outfit.

  • The play was originally intended to premiere at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The production is currently being performed in numerous venues around England to excellent reviews.
  • The Adelaide Fringe Festival run of "Waiting for Hamlet" features only three performances.

The players

David Visick

The writer of "Waiting for Hamlet", which won the Kenneth Branagh New Drama Writing Award in 2018 and the OnComm Award in 2020.

Christopher Gibbs

The American actor portraying the role of King Hamlet in the Adelaide Fringe production of "Waiting for Hamlet".

Mark Liebert

The American actor portraying the role of Yorick in the Adelaide Fringe production of "Waiting for Hamlet".

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What they’re saying

“This is one of those rare gems that turn up during the Fringe, making it all worthwhile.”

— Barry Lenny, Reviewer

What’s next

Sadly, there are only three performances of this excellent production. If you can still get a ticket, hurry to book.

The takeaway

"Waiting for Hamlet" offers a fresh and comedic take on classic Shakespearean characters, showcasing the enduring appeal of the Bard's work and its ability to be reinterpreted for modern audiences. The contrasting performances of the two lead actors highlight the play's artistic merit and the continued relevance of exploring Shakespearean themes in contemporary theater.