Catch the Royal Shakespeare Company’s highly anticipated adaptation of the Sunday Times bestseller, "Hamnet," in London's prestigious Garrick Theatre from September 30, 2023.
"Hamnet" tells a poignant and emotionally charged tale centered around themes of marriage, family, and grief. The story revolves around Agnes Hathaway, a gifted healer, and William Shakespeare, a Latin tutor, who find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. As they build a life together and raise a family, tragedy strikes when their cherished son, Hamnet, succumbs to the plague at the tender age of 11. Left to face their individual grief, the couple undergoes a profound transformation amidst their suffering, leading them to discover something extraordinary.
With over 1.5 million copies sold worldwide, Maggie O'Farrell's heart-wrenching tale of parental grief has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Women's Prize for Fiction. It also secured O'Farrell the Waterstones Book of the Year award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. In 2021, "Hamnet" was a finalist for both the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction and the British Book Awards Fiction Book of the Year.
Adapted from O'Farrell's novel by the talented Lolita Chakrabarti (known for her work on "Life of Pi"), "Hamnet" is directed by Erica Whyman, ensuring a compelling and masterful production. The immensely talented Madeleine Mantock, renowned for her role in "Blithe Spirit" in the West End, will reprise her role as Agnes Hathaway. While the complete cast is yet to be announced for the West End run, the current production at Stratford-upon-Avon's Swan Theatre features Tom Varey (from "Ackley Bridge") as William Shakespeare and Peter Wight (noted for his performance in "Vera Drake") as John/Will Kempe.
Prepare to be deeply moved by the unforgettable tale of "Hamnet" as it unfolds on the illustrious stage of the Garrick Theatre. This is an opportunity to witness extraordinary performances and immerse yourself in a story that explores the depths of human emotions.