>>730 They may well have been thinking about it for years, but it only came to fruition when/because the Hiddleston diary is empty!! (i.e. It totally is Branagh helping TH out of a tight spot)

As to reviews: I don't think I have ever seen a RADA production in that theatre reviewed in the mainstream press, which says it all about the venue. I am sure they will hand out a few tickets to the press to get some free positive publicity, though. What's the point for TH otherwise? If you perform Hamlet to 160 people for 23 days and it only gets "reviewed" on tumblr, why bother? NB google has exploded with news stories in mainstream outlets with nary a mention of t shirts or Taylor. It's the most positive press he's had since Tayto, without a doubt. That's what's in it for him.