First UK Tour

Hamnet, son of William Shakespeare, steps out from the shadow created by his famous father in the Royal Shakespeare Company's powerful stage adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's best-selling novel, now heading on its first UK tour. Adapted by Lola Chakrabarti and with direction from Erica Whyman, Hamnet gives a voice to one of Shakespeare's greatest lost creations, through his own eyes and those of his oft-forgotten mother, Agnes.

The Story of Hamnet

Dying at 11 years old in 1596 in Stratford-Upon-Avon whilst his father was enjoying the height of his fame in London, scholars speculate that Hamnet likely didn't get to know his famous father very well, a theme that can be picked up on in Shakespeare's later writings. When Hamlet was published in 1599, it was widely thought that the name was a tribute to his late son.

With little known about the real child, Maggie O'Farrell's book creates a lyrical narrative for Hamnet that explores his short life and those of the women around him.