Ten Hamnet actors to stay for RSC West End transfer

Published: 20 June 2023
Reporter: Steve Orme

The death of Hamnet: Madeleine Mantock (Agnes) and Ajani Cabey (Hamnet) with Hannah McPake (Jude), Frankie Hastings (Eliza)and Elizabeth Rider (Mary) in the background Credit: Manuel Harlan
Love in the apple store: Madeleine Mantock (Agnes) and Tom Varey (Will) Credit: Manuel Harlan
Lesson in glove-making: Peter Wight (John) and Karl Haynes (apprentice Ned) Credit: Manuel Harlan

The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced that 10 actors appearing in the Stratford production of Hamnet will reprise their roles when the play transfers to the West End.

Lolita Chakrabarti’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel broke box office records at the Swan Theatre and will open to the biggest box office advance in the Garrick Theatre’s history.

Staying with the production are Sarah Belcher (Joan), Will Brown (Burbage / Father John), Ajani Cabey (Hamnet), Frankie Hastings (Eliza / customer), Karl Haynes (Ned), Alex Jarrett (Judith), Madeleine Mantock (Agnes Hathaway), Hannah McPake (Jude), Tom Varey (William Shakespeare) and Peter Wight (John / Will Kempe). Further casting is to be announced.

Erica Whyman directs. Set and costume design are by Tom Piper, lighting by Prema Mehta, sound design by Simon Baker, music by Oğuz Kaplangi, casting by Amy Ball CDG, movement by Ayse Tashkiran and fights by Kate Waters.

Hamnet will run at the Garrick from Saturday 30 September until 6 January 2024. Press night will be on 18 October.

    Related listings

  • Hamnet - Maggie O'Farrell, adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti (Royal Shakespeare Company and Neal Street Productions, in association with Hera Pictures)

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