Hamlet’s most famous soliloquy comes to life as actor Ben Whishaw performs “To be or not to be.” Emma Smith explores the speech’s themes of doubt, mortality, and the birth of modern introspection.
In this opening episode, Emma Smith introduces one of Shakespeare’s most iconic passages: Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” soliloquy. Actor Ben Whishaw delivers a compelling performance that highlights the prince’s inner turmoil, capturing the quiet tension between action and paralysis. His intimate reading brings out the philosophical weight of the speech while keeping its emotional fragility at the forefront.
After the performance, Emma guides listeners through the soliloquy’s historical and dramatic significance. She examines how Shakespeare uses language to reveal Hamlet’s psychological depth, why this speech became a cultural touchstone, and how it has shaped our understanding of interior thought on stage. Listeners come away with both a powerful performance and a richer understanding of why this moment stands at the centre of the play — and of Shakespeare’s legacy.
