A modern adaptation of Hamlet set to Radiohead's 2003 album Hail to the Thief will premiere in London later this year. The production, directed by Christine Jones and Steven Hoggett, opens at the Barbican Theatre on October 31.
The show had its world premiere in Manchester last year and later ran at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford. Thom Yorke reworked and orchestrated the album's songs for a cast of over 20 musicians and actors who perform live on stage. Samuel Blenkin returns as Hamlet with Ami Tredrea as Ophelia. Other cast members include Paul Hilton as Claudius and Claudia Harrison as Gertrude. Yorke said in a press release: “I’m into finally bringing Hamlet Hail to the Thief to London, and to the Barbican of all places! It is fascinating and very strange to me how this came to life and how it has worked.” Director Christine Jones added that bringing the play into the Barbican’s brutalist space seems fated. Tickets go on sale June 26.
