Theatre News

Hamnet announces full West End cast and extension

The show opens at the Garrick Theatre

| London |

5 September 2023

Standing, left to right: Evelin Thomas, Louise Charity, Kati Koskinen, Peter Wight, Josh York, Mhairi Gayer, Karl Haynes, Debo Andrews, Oguz Kaplangi, Tom Piper, Georgia Nosal, Simon Baker, Hannah McPake, Ed Burnside, Tom Varey, Will Brown, Sarah Belcher and Pippa Hill. Seated, middle row, left to right: Molly Luek, Shevonne Harper, Liza Sadovy, Gabriel Akuwudike, Madeleine Mantock, Erica Whyman, Lolita Chakrabarti, Liz Flint and Jenny Grand. Seated, front row, left to right: Ajani Cabey, Faye Campbell, Phoebe Campbell, Alex Jarrett, Frankie Hastings, Haydn Burke and Ayse Tashkiran (credit Simon Hadley) — The cast and crew of Hamnet (credit Simon Hadley)

Full casting has been revealed for the West End transfer of Hamnet, based on Maggie O’Farrell’s hit novel, as the piece extends its run in the capital.

Adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti and directed by Erica Whyman, the piece moves from the Swan Theatre in Stratford to the Garrick Theatre in London. It follows the enigmatic yet savvy Agnes, a woman who becomes the wife to a man later known as the most well-known playwright of all time.

The production will feature set and costume design by Tom Piper, lighting by Prema Mehta, music by Oğuz Kaplangi, sound design by Simon Baker, movement by Ayse Tashkiran, dramaturgy by Pippa Hill, fights by Kate Waters and casting by Amy Ball CDG.

Set to appear in the show will be Gabriel Akuwudike (Bartholomew), Phoebe Campbell (Susanna), Mhairi Gayer (Tilly/Caterina/Landlady) and Liza Sadovy (Mary).

Reprising their roles from the RSC’s Stratford-upon-Avon run 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), Haydn Burke and Faye Campbell complete the cast as off-stage understudies.

Beginning previews on 30 September, the show is now set to play until 17 February at the Garrick.