18 January 2023
★★★★ The FT
★★★★ The Times
★★★★ The Stage
★★★★★ Reviews Hub
“Sharper, spookier storytelling than many a full-fat, four-hour version” – The FT
Introducing young audiences to the world of theatre, an energetic retelling of one of Shakespeare’s most well-known tragedies Hamlet returns for a schools tour across England culminating in performances in the Dorfman Theatre from 20 – 28 March 2023.
This version is adapted for audiences aged 8–12 years old by Jude Christian (Dick Whittington, National Theatre) and originally directed by Tinuke Craig (The Colour Purple, Vassa). The revival is directed by Ellie Hurt (A Christmas Carol, Shakespeare North Playhouse).
Simeon Desvignesperforms the role of Hamlet alongside a full company including Curtis Callier, Adam Clifford, Ashley Gerlach, Kathrine Payne, Claire Redcliffe, Annabelle Terry and Monique Walker.
Schools booking to watch the production in the Dorfman Theatre will be able to book pre-show workshops and a teacher training session at the National Theatre to explore theatre-making in the classroom.
Reaching over 8,000 young people in total, the production will also visit pupils as part of a 6-week tour into school halls across England, visiting seven areas including Thurrock, Knowsley, Tameside, Blackpool, Blackburn, Lincolnshire and Havering. The tour aims to introduce children to theatre and will include workshops, teacher training and resources for teachers to explore creative learning approaches to the world of Shakespeare as part of the curriculum. Last year Hamletwas watched by over 7,300 pupils from 50 schools across England.
Director Ellie Hurt said, “I’m so excited to bring back Tinuke Craig’s reimagining of Hamlet for young audiences. To be able to take it from the National Theatre stage and into schools across the country means this show will not only be some of our audience’s first experience of Shakespeare, but also of live theatre. Along with a brilliant cast, creative and production team who have crafted this exciting, engaging and inclusive show, we hope to inspire younger audiences to explore the limitless possibilities in Shakespeare and theatre.”
Speaking about last year’s touring production, a teacher said, “It’s a brilliant way of introducing Shakespeare to young people; making the plays accessible and enjoyable and boosting the confidence of young people. This project breaths life in Shakespeare’s plays and ignites a new passion for theatres.”
Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre said, “Our first experiences of live theatre can open a whole new world of discovery and opportunities, and so we are delighted to bring Jude Christian’s exciting adaptation of Hamlet for young audiences back to the National Theatre and on tour to schools across the country. By transforming school halls with this production, we hope to introduce new young audiences to Shakespeare and theatre, and support teachers to ensure drama and creativity continues to be a key part of learning in primary schools”.
Set and costume design is by Frankie Bradshaw with lighting designed by Paul Knott. Sound is designed by Clark Henry-Brown and Dom Coyote. Music is composed and directed by Dom Coyote and the fight director is Jeremy Barlow. Movement is directed by Shane Dempsey.
Tickets for public booking are now available at www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/hamlet
The National Theatre supports primary schools to watch, make and learn about theatre with its Let’s Play Programme. Opportunities include free teaching resources, teacher training, the National Theatre Collection for Primary Schools which provides state schools with free access to world-class plays to watch in the classroom and free digital storytelling project Story Seekers. To find out more visit NT Learning.
Performance Schedule
| Date | Location |
| 2-3 Feb | Touring to schools across Thurrock |
| 6-10 Feb | Touring to schools across Knowsley |
| 13-17 Feb | Touring to schools across Tameside |
| 20 – 24 Feb | Touring to schools across Blackpool and Blackburn |
| 27 Feb – 3 Mar | Touring to schools across Lincolnshire |
| 6 – 10 Mar | Touring to schools across Havering |
| 20 – 28 Mar | Public Performances in Dorfman Theatre, NT |
Access performances of Hamlet
Audio-described performance and touch tour – Thursday 23rd March
BSL/Captioned performance – Friday 24th March
A supporting education programme is available for schools specially designed for pupils attending these performances including activity packs, pre-show workshops and a Q&A with the cast.
Our partner organisations for the Hamlet schools tour are Shakespeare North, Tameside Council, Tameside Cultural Services, The Old Electric, Blackpool, Lincolnshire One Venues, Lincoln Performing Arts Centre, The Mighty Creatives, The Embassy Theatre Skegness and Grimsby Auditorium and Queens Theatre Hornchurch.
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