Hamlet Hail to the Thief

Hamlet Hail to the Thief

Barbican Theatre

  • Opens: Saturday, 31 October 2026 -
    Booking until: Saturday, 23 January 2027
  • Running time: 1hr 40 min. No interval.
  • Tickets from£36.00
  • Hamlet Hail to the Thief
    • Playing at: Barbican Theatre
    • Booking until: Saturday, 23 January 2027
    • Running time: 1hr 40 min. No interval.
Hamlet Hail to the Thief photos
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Hamlet Hail to the Thief description

Elsinore has a new ruler, and the air bites. ‘Hamlet Hail to the Thief’ centres on Hamlet and Ophelia’s awakening to the lies and corruption infecting their war-like state. In this witching hour, when ghosts reveal wild and hurling truths, hectic pulses through the blood of its citizens. When minds and hearts are overthrown, music speaks loudly.

Shakespeare’s great tragedy and Radiohead’s critically acclaimed album collide for a mesmerising live experience that fuses theatre, music and movement.

‘Hamlet Hail to the Thief’ is co-created by Thom Yorke and celebrated directors Steven Hoggett and Christine Jones. Yorke has reworked the band’s sixth album into a deconstructed score that illuminates the text and is performed by live musicians.

Originally produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Factory International, audiences now have a chance to experience this unique production for a strictly limited season at London’s Barbican from 31st October.

Hoggett is a founder member of Frantic Assembly. Jones is the Creator and Artistic Director of Theatre For One. Their projects together as choreographer and designer include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, American Idiot and Let The Right One In.

Brimming with energy, ‘Hamlet Hail to the Thief’ distils Shakespeare’s masterpiece to its dark and glittering emotional core.

Captioned Performance:

  • Saturday, 28th November, 2:30pm

Audio Described:

  • Saturday, 12th December, 2:30pm

Relaxed Performance:

  • Saturday, 16th January, 2:30pm
Playing at Barbican Theatre

Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS GB (venue info)

Barbican Theatre Directions

Age restrictions

Ages 14+.

Important information

Please note this production contains flashing lights including strobe, loud music, smoke and haze, stage blood, smoking of cigarettes, strong language and scenes of an adult nature including death and depictions of grief, violence and suicide.

Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS GB Hamlet Hail to the Thief Cast
Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS GB Hamlet Hail to the Thief Cast
Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS GB Hamlet Hail to the Thief Cast
Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS GB Hamlet Hail to the Thief Cast
Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS GB Hamlet Hail to the Thief Cast
Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS GB Hamlet Hail to the Thief Cast
Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS GB Hamlet Hail to the Thief Cast