RSC Reveals Full Cast for 2026 Hamlet Revival in Stratford-upon-Avon
The Royal Shakespeare Company has officially confirmed the full cast for its highly anticipated 2026 tour of Hamlet, a production that promises to sink the Prince of Denmark into a tragedy of “Titanic” proportions.
Breaking news from the rehearsal rooms today confirms that the acclaimed production, which reimagines Elsinore as a luxury ocean liner doomed to disaster, will launch right here in Stratford before embarking on a nationwide tour. Leading the company is the returning Ralph Davis, whose portrayal of the grief-stricken Prince was hailed as “electric” during the production’s initial workshop phase.
The “Ship of State” Metaphor Comes to Life
This bold retelling takes the Bard’s famous line, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,” quite literally. The production design places the royal court aboard a transatlantic liner reminiscent of the RMS Titanic. As the political intrigues of the court unravel, the ship itself begins its slow, inevitable descent—a striking visual metaphor for the collapse of Claudius’s corrupt regime.
Joining Davis is a stellar ensemble cast announced this morning. The role of Ophelia will be played by rising star Elena Marsh, while the treacherous King Claudius will be portrayed by RSC veteran Simon Pargeter. The concept sees the Ghost of Hamlet’s father haunting the lower decks, rising from the engine rooms to demand vengeance from the first-class promenade.
Director’s Vision
Speaking on the launch of the tour, the production’s director noted why this setting resonates with 2026 audiences:
“We wanted to capture the sense of a society partying on the edge of oblivion. Placing Hamlet on a ship where there is literally nowhere to run amplifies the paranoia and the claustrophobia of the play. It raises the stakes—it’s not just the crown that is at risk, but the entire vessel.”
Dates and Tickets
For Stratford locals, this is a chance to see the show before it hits the road. The production will run at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for a limited three-week engagement starting next month, before moving on to Manchester, London, and Edinburgh.
Tickets for the Stratford run are selling fast following today’s cast announcement. Local residents are reminded to check for “CV37” discounts which may be applicable for select preview nights.
Want to get the cheapest RSC tickets? Click here!
- Venue: Royal Shakespeare Theatre
- Dates: February 10 – February 28, 2026
- Booking: Available now via the RSC website.
Don’t miss the chance to see what critics are already calling “The unsinkable Shakespeare show.”
