Hamnet, the Play That Began at Stratford’s Swan, Is Going on a UK Tour

Hamnet, the play that began at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, is going on its first tour of the UK, the Royal Shakespeare Company announced on 12 November. The tour opens at The Lowry in Salford on 25 September 2027, and 13 venues are listed so far (the RSC’s announcement says 14 dates have been announced). The closest to Stratford is The Alexandra in Birmingham, from 9 to 13 November 2027.

The play is Lolita Chakrabarti’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel about Shakespeare’s son Hamnet, who died aged 11, and about Agnes, the playwright’s wife, the family’s life in Stratford and their grief. The novel has since been made into an Oscar-winning film. The RSC’s production is directed by Erica Whyman, its former acting artistic director, with sets by Tom Piper.

From the Swan to the West End, the US and now the UK

The RSC says Hamnet broke box office records at the Swan, then moved to the Garrick Theatre in London, where it opened in 2023 with what was then the biggest advance in that theatre’s history. In 2026 it toured the US, playing Chicago, Washington and San Francisco. The UK tour is presented with the producers Fiery Angel and Neal Street.

Tour dates announced so far

• The Lowry, Salford: 25 September to 2 October 2027
• Theatre Royal Newcastle: 5 to 9 October 2027
• Hall for Cornwall, Truro: 12 to 16 October 2027
• Norwich Theatre Royal: 19 to 23 October 2027
• Theatre Royal Nottingham: 26 to 30 October 2027
• Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury: 2 to 6 November 2027
• The Alexandra, Birmingham: 9 to 13 November 2027
• Theatre Royal Glasgow: 16 to 20 November 2027
• Theatre Royal Bath: 23 to 27 November 2027
• Grand Opera House, Belfast: 18 to 22 January 2028
• Grand Opera House, York: 1 to 5 February 2028
• New Wimbledon Theatre, London: 7 to 11 March 2028
• Mayflower Theatre, Southampton: 21 to 25 March 2028

The RSC says more dates and venues will be added, and the cast hasn’t been announced yet. No Stratford date has been named. Tickets are sold by each venue; the RSC’s announcement links to them.

Hamnet’s Stratford

Much of the story is set in the town. Shakespeare’s Birthplace on Henley Street was the family home, Hamnet and his twin sister Judith were baptised at Holy Trinity Church in 1585, and Hamnet was buried in Stratford in August 1596. If you’re planning a trip to the RSC’s own theatres in the meantime, our guide to visiting the RSC covers tickets, food and parking.

Alex Harrington

Alex Harrington grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and runs What's up, Stratford? as an independent guide to the town.