Women take the lead in humorous ‘Hamlet’ homage

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, March 31, 2026

To see, or not to see? That’s not really a question, you should absolutely see this.

Whidbey Playhouse’s production of “Women Playing Hamlet,” directed by Kevin Meyer, is a laugh-out-loud comedy that doesn’t just break the fourth wall, it expects the audience to participate with fervor. Even with the setting described rather than shown, a tribute to how Shakespeare used verbal scene setting, the world feels fully alive. Nothing is off-limits either: The humor swings from the absurd to risqué.

At the center of it all is actress Trinity Slowik, who shines as Jessica, an actress suddenly cast as Hamlet in a New York production. Instead of celebrating, she spirals into self-doubt, questioning whether she’s right for one of theater’s most iconic roles. What follows is a series of entertaining scenes that veer from clever to downright ridiculous. Think existential crises, pooping starlings and a Shakespearian scholar who compares Hamlet to an orgasm.

The humor of the show is a major draw, according to Slowik.

“It is so funny, and it’s relatable on different levels,” she said. “Maybe you don’t have a bad relationship with your parents or maybe you just know that really weird stranger that’s a neighbor and you’re like, I don’t know what he does, but it’s funky.”

She can see quite a few parallels in the show to life on Whidbey Island, she added.

“Our community is so small that sometimes we get all up in each other’s business, and we want to support each other, but sometimes that ends up hurting each other,” Slowik said.

With a small but mighty cast of women stepping into multiple roles, the production is as impressive as it is funny. Each performer helps build a layered experience that highlights both the humor and the power of women reimagining traditionally male Shakespearean roles. Hannah Mayne, who plays a Starbucks barista among other roles, said an all-female cast provided a bonding experience.

“I feel like we can get a lot closer,” Mayne said. “It’s just a lot of relatability and it’s super fun and comfortable.”

Meyer said though he originally chose to direct “Women Playing Hamlet” because of its humor, he unexpectedly uncovered its meaning later on.

“I think the world would be a better place if we didn’t let people put us down and tell you you can’t do this, you’re wrong for that, you’re the wrong age, you’re the wrong height, you’re the wrong sex,” he said. “That’s the message I got out of this.”

Katie Jones, who plays a humanities professor, among other characters, and sometimes forgets to go onstage with her fake mustache and beard, sang high praises for Meyer’s ability to both give great guidance and listen to the actors so their fun personalities shine.

“Women Playing Hamlet” at the Whidbey Playhouse will run from April 10 to May 3. Tickets are available for purchase at the box office or online at whidbeyplayhouse.com.