There’s a director I’ve worked with, who cannot stand sarcasm on stage.
If I ever made a sarcastic choice, it was instantly rejected. I get it. But…this line right here, is just bedecked in sarcasm. Of course it can’t be played that way because it’s Claudius, it’s not Hamlet. But Hamlet is surely being a total smart ass when he talks about Claudius’ kingly eyes and surely Claudius knows it, too.
It’s the kind of thing that won’t get you convicted of king-bashing but will make your feelings clear.
Also – smart-ass Hamlet is my favorite Hamlet.
The Hamlet Project 