In the depths of the COVID-19 lockdown, when much of the world was shut indoors, three friends decided to take on an unlikely creative challenge: stage a full production of Hamlet entirely inside the online multiplayer universe of Grand Theft Auto V. Their experiment, a combination of classic literature and chaotic sandbox gaming, is now the subject of the documentary Grand Theft Hamlet, debuting Friday on Mubi.
Bringing Shakespeare to Los Santos
Directed by documentary filmmaker Pinny Grylls, and starring her husband, actor Sam Crane, along with friend and fellow performer Mark Oosterveen, Grand Theft Hamlet chronicles their attempt to bring live theater into one of gaming’s most anarchic virtual cities. Born during the social isolation of the 2020 pandemic, the project began as a way to escape boredom and experiment with a new medium.
“Because it’s live, anything can happen,” Crane said of the in-game production. “And you get that same sense in online games as well. That’s what’s the fun of it.”
The Making of a Digital Play
The trio began their endeavor in 2021 by casting fellow gamers through GTA V’s in-world social media tools. They had to scout in-game locations suitable for the tragedy’s iconic scenes and faced unpredictable disruptions—often in the form of other players interfering with their rehearsals or performances.
From technical glitches to cast dropouts, the team weathered numerous setbacks. At one point, tensions flared between Crane and Oosterveen as they struggled to salvage their vision. Still, they persevered, ultimately livestreaming their virtual production on Twitch and YouTube in July 2022, with dozens of viewers tuning in to witness a surprisingly earnest rendition of the Danish prince’s tragedy.
An Unlikely Cultural Crossover
The pairing of two unlikely cultural icons — Rockstar Games’ chaotic, crime-filled sandbox game and Shakespeare’s somber and reflective Hamlet — made for both a surreal and compelling performance. More than a gimmick, the project became a powerful example of pandemic-era creativity and artistic adaptation.
“We discovered surprising truths about life, friendship, and the enduring power of Shakespeare,” Grylls said in an Instagram post promoting the documentary.
A Statement on Imperfection
Beyond the innovation, Grand Theft Hamlet also delivers a commentary on modern artistic expectations. “This film is also a statement about how important it is not to be perfectionist,” Grylls noted. “We are obsessed with creating perfect films, perfect pieces of theater… and it’s rubbish.”
Indeed, the project’s charm lies in its rawness. With no guarantee of success, no polished stage, and no controlled environment, the creators embraced chaos — both theatrical and digital — to forge something entirely original.
Streaming Now on Mubi
Grand Theft Hamlet is now available to stream on Mubi, following its festival run and limited theatrical release in the UK and Ireland. Whether you’re a gamer, a Shakespeare lover, or simply a fan of offbeat pandemic-era creativity, this documentary offers a unique look at how art, friendship, and digital spaces can intertwine in unexpected ways.
At the time it was streamed, the crew was excited to see dozens of viewers tune in. Fans online appeared charmed by the scrappy cast of characters who were hell-bent on finishing the Shakespearean work.
Now, with their film’s expanded distribution, the trio behind the project said they are eager for more people to know of their efforts.
“I would say that this film is also a statement about how important it is not to be perfectionist in a way,” Grylls said. “We are obsessed with creating perfect films, perfect pieces of theater, perfect pieces of media and making ourselves look perfect as well. And it’s rubbish.”
Quick Facts
- Title: Grand Theft Hamlet
- Release Date: April 26, 2025 (Streaming on Mubi)
- Directed by: Pinny Grylls
- Cast: Sam Crane, Mark Oosterveen
- Runtime: Approx. 90 minutes
- Filmed entirely in: Grand Theft Auto V
