The most singular production of Shakespeare’s masterpiece Hamlet to be staged in the last couple of years was Hamlet Hail to the Thief, an abridged version of the text set to Radiohead’s underrated 2003 album Hail to the Thief. Co-directed by US director Christine Johns and the legendary Steven Hoggett, it was made with the active collaboration of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, who reorchestrated the songs for performance by the show’s live band (NB not Radiohead).
The ambitious project was staged by the RSC and played sold-out 2025 seasons in Stratford-upon Avon and Manchester, but it didn’t go to London.
Well, now it will with bells on: traditionally the RSC transfers two shows to the Barbican for and autumn/winter season, but for 2026/7 it’s just Hamlet Hail to the Thief with an extended run.
The production will largely hold on to its original cast, with Samuel Blenkin returning as Hamlet and Paul Hilton as Claudius.
Reviews from last year were largely positive, and in the accompanying blurb for this transfer Hoggett has indicated that this isn’t the same show as last year, but one taken to the next level (‘The chance to put all the learnings into the next stages of a show is a great privilege. What were guesstimates and hopes become areas we can now push into, knowing we can create more precision’ quoth he).
Personally, I had a few problems with it when I saw it in Manchester, so I’m glad to hear it’s come along. But at its best its thrilling, and let’s be honest this is almost certainly the only Hamlet/Radiohead mash-up of our lifetimes, and if you’re a fan of either, it’s not to be missed.
Hamlet Hail to the Thief is at the Barbican Centre Oct 31-Jan 23 2027. Tickets will go on general sale Jun 26.
Read our 2025 Manchester review of Hamlet Hail to the Thief.
