From the instant the first line is uttered in the pitch-black theater to the moment the lights go down on a stage of corpses in the final act, Bedlam’s production of “Hamlet” never fails to be one of the most thrilling theatrical experiences to come along in recent memory. The audience is sucked into the protagonist’s world of madness and betrayal with no hope of escape.

This particular production of the Shakespeare classic stars four actors who take on numerous roles throughout the play. Ted Lewis, for example plays an excellent Polonius, with the perfect mix of fatherly guidance and exasperation. He also portrays an angst-ridden Laertes, among other roles.

Andrus Nichols’ Gertrude, constantly torn between her husband and son, forces the audience to empathize with a character often seen as incredibly cold, rather than as a commanding personality. Her Ophelia is equally deserving of sympathy. When driven mad by the loss of her father, it is almost too painful to watch her in torment.

Claudius, played by Tom O’Keefe, is shockingly benevolent for a villain, causing the audience to doubt his guilt. Even when he is plotting to kill Hamlet, it is impossible to wholly dislike him.

Eric Tucker, who also directs the production, is the Hamlet by which all other Hamlets should be defined. His performance is an impressive feat, as the actor constantly bounces between the protagonist’s cruel sociopathic tendencies and raving lunacy. Even those familiar with the play will be kept on the edge of their seats, unsure of what his next action will be.

Tucker’s direction is brilliant — he utilizes the shortage of space to highlight the story’s intensity. The lack of sets allows the production to spotlight staging and the performances. What the company accomplishes with just a few swords and a bag of dirt is amazing.

The fast pacing and constant action, punctuated by dozens of Shakespeare’s most famous lines and speeches, ensure that audiences will come out of this play thinking of nothing but the next time they’ll be able to see it again. Bedlam’s “Hamlet” is a production and an experience that should not be missed.

“Hamlet” runs through April 7 at the Access Theater, located at 380 Broadway. 

A version of this article appeared in the March 5 print edition. Dylan Jarrett is a contributing writer.  Email her at [email protected].