The Hamlet Podcast
A weekly podcast that goes through Shakespeare's plays line by line, currently exploring Othello. Each episode covers roughly 40 lines of the play, with two episodes released per week, aiming to reach the end around 2027. Hosted by Conor Hanratty.
Episodes
Othello | Act Two, Scene One (iv)
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act Two, Scene One: In a rather sour exchange, Iago hold forth, sharing his opinions of women. Not the most pleasant episode to write, alas, but it's in important insight into the play's central antagonist.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act Two, Scene One (iii)
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act Two, Scene One: The arrivals continue, as the ships continue to reach port in Cyprus.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act Two, Scene One (ii)
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act Two, Scene One: Cassio appears, as another ship appears at port in Cyprus.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act Two, Scene One
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act Two, Scene One: we arrive in Cyprus, and meet the governor Montano as he and some fellow soldiers observe a wild storm at sea.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Bonus Episode: Cyprus
Before we begin Act Two or land on the shores of Cyprus, here is a bonus episode talking about how Shakespeare may (and may not) have imagined the island.
Othello | Act One, Scene Three (x)
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene Three | In this last episode covering this scene, Iago switches back into verse and (for the first time in the play) he speaks a soliloquy directly to us in the audience.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Bonus Episode: Horace and the Five Act Structure
In answer to the recent competition, here's a bonus episode discussing how Shakespeare's plays came to be divided into the five act structure that has come down to us. A mystery solved!
Othello | Act One, Scene Three (ix)
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene Three | Iago gives Roderigo some very serious advice. And even more explicit instructions. Put money in thy purse...
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act One, Scene Three (viii)
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene Three | Left alone on stage, Roderigo complains to Iago of how desperate he's feeling...
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act One, Scene Three (vii)
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene Three | The scene continues - will Desdemona be going to Cyprus? What will Othello have to say?
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act One, Scene Three (vi)
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene Three | Othello is to be sent to Cyprus to fight against the Ottomans - but what is to become of his new wife?
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
PUBLICATION DAY SPECIAL!
A special bonus episode featuring an interview with my co-writer, Amy Smith, all about her work, my work, and particularly about OUR BOOK, released today, August 27, 2026.
There's also a discount code for all Hamlet Podcast listeners - if you buy our book from Bloomsbury dot com, you can get a 35% discount using the code BTGMACBETH35 - and there's also a competition within the episode for a FREE
Othello | Act One, Scene Three (v)
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene Three | Desdemona arrives, and answers her father's complaints.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Macbeth | The Five Senses - Smell
The Hamlet Podcast
As a countdown to the release of my new book on August 27th, we are revisiting Macbeth through the lens of the five senses. Most of this is material that escaped both the book AND the podcast - so it's all new, just for you!
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act One, Scene Three (iv)
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene Three | Othello tells the story of how he wooed Desdemona.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act One, Scene Three (iii)
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene Three | Othello gets to speak for himself - and shows himself a very fine orator, putting his life on the line in the most extraordinary way.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Macbeth | The Five Senses - Touch
The Hamlet Podcast
As a countdown to the release of my new book on August 27th, we are revisiting Macbeth through the lens of the five senses. Most of this is material that escaped both the book AND the podcast - so it's all new, just for you!
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act One, Scene Three (ii)
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene Three | Othello and Brabantio arrive at the Duke's Chamber, and accusations are hurled.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act One, Scene Three
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene Three | We shift to the Duke's chamber, where reports are flying in about the threat to Cyprus from the Ottoman empire.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Macbeth | The Five Senses - Taste
The Hamlet Podcast
As a countdown to the release of my new book on August 27th, we are going to revisit Macbeth through the lens of the five senses. All of this will be material that escaped both the book AND the podcast - so it's all new, just for you!
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act One, Scene Two (ii)
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene Two | Brabantio and his cohort appear, furious, but Othello shows real authority in how he handles the situation - despite yet more racist abuse from the old man.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act One, Scene Two
The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene Two | Iago has found Othello - at the Sagittary, as planned - and it seems that all of Venice is abuzz tonight. But not, perhaps, with news of Othello's marriage....
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Macbeth | The Five Senses - Sound
The Hamlet Podcast
As a countdown to the release of my new book on August 27th, we are going to revisit Macbeth through the lens of the five senses. All of this will be material that escaped both the book AND the podcast - so it's all new, just for you!
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act One, Scene One (iv)
The Hamlet Podcast - a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene One | Iago makes himself scarce, and Brabantio rallies his household to hunt for Desdemona - led, would you believe, by Roderigo.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act One, Scene One (iii)
The Hamlet Podcast - a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene One | Brabantio appears, the racism continues, and first we dicsuss Commedia dell'Arte - for reasons that will become clear as we proceed!
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Macbeth | The Five Senses - Sight
The Hamlet Podcast
As a countdown to the release of my new book on August 27th, we are going to revisit Macbeth through the lens of the five senses. All of this will be material that escaped both the book AND the podcast - so it's all new, just for you!
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act One, Scene One (ii)
The Hamlet Podcast - a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene One | Iago reveals some choice information about himself, but Roderigo fixates on other matters.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
Othello | Act One, Scene One
The Hamlet Podcast - a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Act One, Scene One | Roderigo and Iago enter, arguing over some bad news.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
OTHELLO - Introduction
The Hamlet Podcast - a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello.
Greetings from Venice! I am here on holiday but figured this was the right place to launch our journey through Othello. Episode 01 will be with you in just a couple of days but this introduction will lay some groundwork for the story.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 109 - Never Never Never Never Never
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act V Scene iii - We reach the end of King Lear. This is maybe the longest ever single episode of the podcast, but it felt impossible to divide up the final moments of the play - from Lear's entrance to the ending, it demanded to be a single episode.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 108 - Some Good I Mean To Do
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act V Scene iii - More revelations, more deaths, and a surprise move from Edmund.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
OTHELLO | Trailer
Coming this June - after a little break to recover from the end of King Lear, we shall begin a journey through Shakespeare's Othello. I hope you'll join me.
King Lear | Episode 107 - List A Brief Tale
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act V Scene iii - Edgar unmasks, and tells tale upon tale of what he has been through.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 106 - Ask Me Not What I Know
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act V Scene iii - A challenger appears, insults are traded, and a victor emerges...
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 105 - A Manifold Traitor
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act V Scene iii - Trial by combat looms: the tension is high and Regan seems very unwell indeed...
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 104 - An Interlude!
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act V Scene iii - Regan enters the chat, but then Albany shocks everyone.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 103 - Not As A Brother
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act V Scene iii - Albany and Edmund discuss their next steps.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 102 - Thy Great Employment
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act V Scene iii - Edmund sends a Captain with a chilling note.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 101 - Gilded Butterflies
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act V Scene iii - Lear and Cordelia are brought on, as prisoners.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 100 - Ripeness Is All
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act V Scene ii - Edgar and Gloucester take refuge under a tree.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 99 - To Defend, Not To Debate
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act V Scene i - Edgar makes his suit to Albany, and then Edmund reveals how he really feels about Regan and Goneril.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 98 - Do You Not Love My Sister?
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act V Scene i - At Dover, Edmund, Albany, Regan and Goneril start to plan for the impending battles.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 97 - Forget and Forgive
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene vii - We end Act IV with tears, forgiveness, and a little bit of German gossip.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 96 - A Very Foolish Fond Old Man
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene vii - Lear wakes, and a poignant recognition scene ensues.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 95 - Rogues Forlorn
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene vii - Cordelia and the Doctor ponder Lear's condition, as he seems on the brink of waking.
*PLUS - news of my forthcoming book! If you'd like 25% off, pre-order it from Waterstones THIS WEEK, Feb 17-20, 2026. Search for it under my name, Bloomsbury Teacher Introductions, Macbeth, and my co-author Amy Smith.*
Wr
King Lear | Episode 94 - This Child-Changed Father
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene vii - At the French camp, Lear sleeps while Cordelia and Kent determine what to do next.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 93 - Ungracious Paper
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene vi - We reach the end of Act 4 Scene 6, as Edgar deals with Oswald and his despairing but lucid father.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
I Saw Three Ships | Episode 03 - The Sea-Venture
This year's seasonal offering takes the form of a voyage, exploring resonances inspired by the carol "I Saw Three Ships". Today, the third and final episode recounts the tale of the Sea Venture. The real life escapades of this important ship inspired Shakespeare's most famous maritime fantasy, The Tempest, and this episode will transport you all the way into 2026. Happy New Year! 🎄
I Saw Three Ships | Episode 02 - The Barque
This year's seasonal offering takes the form of a voyage, exploring resonances inspired by the carol "I Saw Three Ships". Today, for Episode 02, we board the delicate barque of the Sonnets. Seasons greetings to you! 🎄
I Saw Three Ships | Episode 01 - The Tiger
This year's seasonal offering takes the form of a voyage, exploring resonances inspired by the carol "I Saw Three Ships". Today, for Episode 01, we explore the fascinating mythology of The Tiger, which appeared in an earlier episode during our exploration of Macbeth. Seasons greetings to you! 🎄
King Lear | Episode 92 - A Serviceable Villain
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene vi - Oswald enters, with murderous intent.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 91 - The Bounty and the Benison of Heaven
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene vi - Edgar, Gloucester and the Gentleman all respond to what has happened.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 90 - This Great Stage of Fools
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene vi - Lear recognises Gloucester, before descending into further madness.
Listen to the end for news of a) a new book and b) Christmas treats coming your way!
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 89 - Look With Thine Ears
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene vi - Gloucester wonders at Lear's fallen state, while Lear madly criticises the hypocrisies of the world.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 88 - Sweeten My Imagination
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene vi - Lear rails against women, while Gloucester is overcome with emotion at seeing him.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 87 - This Piece of Toasted Cheese
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene vi - Lear enters, at a new level of madness.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 86 - This World I Do Renounce
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene vi - Gloucester attempts to jump, but Edgar has a whole plan in place.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 85 - The Extreme Verge
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene vi - Gloucester and Edgar reach Dover.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 84 - Strange Oeillades
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene v - Regan tries to get information out of Oswald.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 83 - Great Ignorance
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene v - Regan and Oswald reappear, discussing various pressing concerns.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 82 - The Good Man's Distress
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene iv - Cordelia hears reports of her father and hopes her Doctor can help make him better.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 81 - A Sovereign Shame
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene iii - Kent and Gentleman continue their discussion and we hear a startling description of Lear's emotional state.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 80 - Sunshine and Rain At Once
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene iii - Kent and his Gentleman messenger have met at Dover and discuss the state of affairs.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
BONUS - Macbeth - Dublin Theatre Festival 2025
To celebrate not one but TWO exciting Shakespeare productions in Dublin Theatre Festival this year, I've teamed up with DTF to bring you a sneak preview of the delights that await. This time: Druid Theatre Company presents Macbeth, introduced by festival artistic director Róise Goan.
Macbeth is at the Gaiety Theatre from September 25 - October 05, at tickets are available from Ticketmaster.
The
King Lear | Episode 79 - My Hateful Life
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene ii - A Messenger brings news of Cornwall and Gloucester, which horrifies Albany. Goneril has new plans for the future too...
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
BONUS - Hamlet - Dublin Theatre Festival 2025
To celebrate not one but TWO exciting Shakespeare productions in Dublin Theatre Festival this year, I've teamed up with DTF to bring you a sneak preview of the delights that await. First up: a production of Hamlet from Peru, introduced by festival artistic director Róise Goan.
Hamlet is at the O'Reilly Theatre from September 25-27, at tickets are available from dublintheatrefestival . ie
King Lear | Episode 78 - Tigers, Not Daughters
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene ii - Albany arrives but does not give Goneril the welcome she is expecting.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 77 - A Woman's Services
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene ii - Goneril arrives back to her home, with Edmund by her side. She has plans for him...
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 76 - There Is A Cliff
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene i - Gloucester asks Edgar (as Poor Tom) to lead him to Dover.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 75 - Wanton Boys
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene i - Gloucester and Edgar find each other, but it is not the recognition we might imagine.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 74 - I Have No Way
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act IV Scene i - We are back out on the heath, and Edgar appears, before Gloucester is led on by a kind Old Man.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 73 - Let Him Smell His Way to Dover
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act III Scene vii - The scene concludes with more violence, but also a trace of kindness.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 72 - Thy Cruel Nails
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act III Scene vii - Cornwall and Regan turn violent. A servant attempts to help Gloucester.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 71 - Such A Traitor
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act III Scene vii - Gloucester is brought before Regan and Cornwall, and tied up.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 70 - Pluck Out His Eyes
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act III Scene vii - Cornwall starts plotting Gloucester's punishment, while Goneril leaves to rejoin her husband.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 69 - A Plot of Death
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act III Scene vi - Gloucester comes back and hurries Lear and the others away to safety.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 68 - My Tears Begin
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act III Scene vi - Lear madly attempts to prosecute his daughters for the way they have treated him.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 67 - The Lake of Darkness
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act III Scene vi - Gloucester brings the others to shelter. Edgar and the Fool vie for Lear's attention.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 66 - Evil Disposition
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act III Scene v - Cornwall appears, with Edmund in tow.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
King Lear | Episode 65 - I Had A Son
The Hamlet Podcast - a weekly exploration of Shakespeare's King Lear.
Act III Scene iv - The scene comes to an end, not before Lear makes some more fantastical references and Edgar matches him with a famous rhyme.
Written and presented by Conor Hanratty
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