First look at Hamnet's West End Debut

In collaboration with Hera Pictures, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and Neal Street Productions have unveiled new production images for the West End transfer of Hamnet. Based on Maggie O'Farrell's bestselling novel, the play is adapted by award-winning British Indian playwright Lolita Chakrabarti and is playing at the Garrick Theatre.

Hamnet tells the enthralling tale of Agnes Hathaway and William Shakespeare against the backdrop of Warwickshire in 1582. A natural healer, Agnes marries Latin tutor William, and they start a family. Agnes continues to be a constant in William's life, giving him meaning when he travels to London to explore theatre.

The play features an impressive ensemble cast, including Gabriel Akuwudike, Sarah Belcher, Will Brown, Ajani Cabey, Phoebe Campbell, and many more. Under the direction of Erica Whyman, the production comes to life with Set and Costume Design by Tom Piper, Lighting by Prema Mehta, and a musical score by Oğuz Kaplangi.

With over 1.5 million copies sold globally, the book enthralled readers and received rave reviews. Maggie O'Farrell's book earned her the 2020 Women's Prize for Fiction, the UK's famous yearly prize celebrating female fiction writers. It was also named the Waterstones Book of the Year and won the National Book Critics Circle prize in 2020.

Stellar cast to bring the tale to life

Joanna Woodward and David Hunter play Clare and Henry in the ensemble. Tim Mahendran, Hiba Elchikhe, Ross Dawes, Sorelle Marsh, Alwyne Taylor, Irfan Damani, Alexandra Doar, Alex Lodge, and Helena Pipe are also a part of the diverse cast.

Behind the scenes: The creative team

The musical, which is being directed by Bill Buckhurst, boasts a top-notch creative team that includes designs by Anna Fleischle, choreography by Shelley Maxwell, lighting designs by Lucy Carter and Rory Beaton, illusions by Chris Fisher, video designs by Andrzej Goulding, and sound designs by Richard Brooker. Nick Finlow is in charge of the musical direction and arrangement, Malcolm Edmonstone is in order of the orchestrations, and Susanna Peretz is in order of the wig, hair, and cosmetics designs.

Hamnet's West End run has drawn crowds since its soldout Stratford-Upon-Avon world premiere. One of the most eagerly awaited shows at the Garrick Theatre, the drama addresses themes of desire, birth, grief, and the magic of nature. View the Garrick Theatre seating plan and grab the best seats for this classic tale!