Selling out ahead of its world premiere at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon this April, Hamnet transfers direct to London’s Garrick Theatre this autumn for a limited 14-week season.
This new play based on Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling novel, adapted by award-winning playwright Lolita Chakrabarti (Life of Pi, Red Velvet, Hymn) pulls back a curtain on the story of the greatest writer in the English language and the woman who was the constant presence and purpose of his life.
Hamnet is a love letter to passion, birth, grief and the magic of nature.
Lolita Chakrabarti has said: “Writing this play was made even more challenging due to the huge impact Maggie O’Farrell’s novel has had. Every reader seems to have a very personal relationship to this story. Shakespeare is studied, examined and lauded across the world and at times, it has felt presumptuous of me to add my own flavour to this iconic man. When I began researching sixteenth century Stratford and London I was instantly drawn to the diversity in England at that time. It no longer surprises me that there were all kinds of people here. That is how the world works – immigration has always been a reality and as expected, many of those people integrated into British society.”
Chakrabarti added: “There are limited facts about Agnes/Anne Hathaway but I love playing with history and fiction and moulding them together so that one informs the other. It is a great privilege to look at the Shakespeare through my detailed research and personal lens.
“This woman behind the playwright is a fascinating character, and after studying Maggie’s book, it is clear to me now that her son was the inspiration for one of our greatest pieces of English literature.”
The production will feature set and costume design by Tom Piper, lighting by Prema Mehta, sound by Xana, music by Oğuz Kaplangi, casting by Amy Ball, movement by Ayse Tashkiran and fight direction by Kate Waters.
Agency Client Lolita Chakrabarti is represented by Katie Haines.