Hamnet
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Hamnet
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and Neal Street Productions, in association with Hera Pictures, will produce the world-premiere stage production of Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti. The production will open in the newly refurbished Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon from Saturday 1 April 2023.
Hamnet is directed by Erica Whyman, who is Acting Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company. The production marks Erica’s twelfth production for the Company, having first joined the RSC in January 2013 as Deputy Artistic Director. The production will feature Design by Tom Piper, Lighting by Prema Mehta and Music by Oğuz Kaplangi with further creative team to be confirmed.
Hamnet will transfer direct to London’s Garrick Theatre this autumn after selling out ahead of its world premiere at the newly restored Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon this April. The production will run for a limited 14-week season from Saturday 30 September 2023 – Saturday 6 January 2024 with a press performance on Thursday 12 October 2023.
About
Warwickshire, 1582. Agnes Hathaway, a natural healer, meets the Latin tutor, William Shakespeare. Drawn together by powerful but hidden impulses, they create a life together and make a family.
As William moves to London to discover his place in the world of theatre, Agnes stays at home to raise their three children, but she is the constant presence and purpose of his life.
When the plague steals 11-year-old Hamnet from his loving parents, they must each confront their loss alone. And yet, out of the greatest suffering, something of extraordinary wonder is born.
Key Creatives & Cast
Key Creatives:
Novel by Maggie O'Farrell
Adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti
Directed by Erica Whyman
Designed by Tom Piper
Lighting by Prema Mehta
Music by Oğuz Kaplangi
Cast:
Sarah Belcher
Will Brown
Haydn Burke
Ajani Cabey
Faye Campbell
Frankie Hastings
Karl Haynes
Alex Jarrett
Hannah McPake
Rose Riley
Elizabeth Rider
Harmony Rose-Bremner
Obioma Ugoala
Productions
Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon. 1 April - 17 June 2023
The Garrick Theatre, London. 30 September 2023 – 6 January 2024
Reviews
"Evocative and beautifully acted"
"The evening soars, and sears"
"Tender take on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel"
"Mantock and Varey have a playful, tender onstage chemistry"
"Ajani Cabey is a fleet, beguiling Hamnet"
"Erica Whyman’s atmospheric production"