At first glance this is a story about William Shakespeare’s son Hamnet, who died of the plague aged 11. In fact the main protagonist is Anne Hathaway, the boy’s mother and Shakespeare’s wife. The Bard himself, along with his wife and lost son, left very little trace of their real lives behind. But the author Maggie O’Farrell delved deep to write the book, Hamnet, reimagining the tragedy the family survived and the way it affected their futures. Now it’s a play by the RSC that’s gathering a great deal of excitement, on at the Garrick Theatre for a limited 14 week season from 30th September 2023.
Hamnet tells the story of the unusual bond between a boy and his twin sister, details a marriage devastated by grief, and delves into the life of Shakespeare, a glove maker’s son who defied convention to marry the woman he loved. At its heart it’s about grief, and the ways we survive it. There’s a well of deep tenderness throughout this play, as the author re-imagines the relationship between William and his wife. The result is a play revealing a profound understanding of humans and the bonds joining us.
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Audience Latest Reviews
Reviews Summary based on 51 reviews
General:
What to expect Acting: Music: Costumes: Story: Lighting:
Recommendations Anyone:
Families:
Teenagers:
Young Couples:
Theatregoers:
Shakespeare as a living person
Great realisation of what it might have been like to live as Shakespeare, his family and communities at the time he was actually writing.
Susan, 16 Feb 2024
Wonderful
The show was amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed everything about it. It was a lovely birthday gift for my sister at a sensible price.
Caroline, 12 Feb 2024
Disapointed
Acting. much of the dialogue was very loud shouting almost and I'm hard of hearing. The midland accent was very slight. I thought that some of the actors had only a little experience. The second half was much better.
Play. I was really looking forward to the play having read the book a lot was left out and I understand that but I felt to the plays' detriment.
Sophia, 02 Feb 2024
A bit confusing!
A bit confusing in act 1 but opened up in 2nd act.
No hope if u had not read the book.
Francis, 22 Jan 2024
Hamnet adaption
Rather slow. A lot of the book has been left out leaving a very simple story.
Stephen, 16 Jan 2024
Great acting, weak storyline
Storyline weak. However, the actors, set, lighting, music, costumes etc. were terrific.
Rubi, 28 Dec 2023
Front row seats
Top performances all round in this gorgeous ol' theater
PETER, 14 Dec 2023
Wonderful!
The set was fantastic, lighting and music were atmospheric. The staging was super and the essence of the novel was in the show- a beautiful love story. It was also the untold story of the female in Shakespeare’s time. The warmth and strain of the female relationships and their role in history was showcased beautifully! Thank you!
Nuala, 04 Dec 2023
Second half upped a gear.
Enjoyable play and good acting - really engaged with “Ann”. The second half brought together the Shakespeare’s life into the great plays.
Graeme, 25 Nov 2023
Slightly disappointing
The play was adapted creatively from the book but just didn't quite capture the magic of the book. It was ok but I wasn't gripped by it.
Harriet, 08 Nov 2023
Fab adaptation of a great book.
We v much enjoyed this adaptation of a favourite book. The acting, esp of the character Agnes, was excellent. Staging imaginative & effective. Staff all good service.
Susan, 26 Oct 2023
Family drama in a historical setting
Excellent acting and different perspective of the Shakespeare story
peter, 22 Oct 2023
Lacklustre
Never got going , only the ending and when we were in London the rest felt belaboured sentimental and cliched
Tag, 19 Oct 2023
Disappointing
I loved Maggie O’Farrell’s book but, sadly, the stage adaptation does not come close to capturing the magic of the novel.
The play follows the plot of the book so closely that it misses the opportunity to bring the main characters to life. It’s well acted - particularly the part of Agnes - but the script fails to deliver. A disappointing night out.
Philippa, 12 Oct 2023
All Shakespeare afficianos must see
The story is strong but the staging and lighting make it a separate art form from the novel and even those who have read will enjoy this on its own
