National Theatre's reimagined Hamlet to tour schools
Hattie Fisk
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Adapted by Jude Christian, this production of Hamlet has been designed for audiences aged 8 –12 years.
Harry Elletson
The National Theatre has announced plans to tour its reimagined version of Hamlet, for young people, in schools across England prior to its run at the Dorfman Theatre from 20-28 March.
Schools looking to book the production will also be able to arrange pre-show workshops and a teacher training session at the National Theatre, exploring theatre-making in the classroom.
Due to reach over 8,000 young people in total, the show will visit areas including Thurrock, Knowsley, Tameside, Blackpool, Blackburn, Lincolnshire and Havering.
Resources to support teachers through creative learning approaches to the world of Shakespeare across the curriculum will be available as part of the tour.
Director Ellie Hurt said: ‘I'm so excited to bring back Tinuke Craig's reimagining of Hamlet for young audiences. To be able to take it from the National Theatre stage and into schools across the country means this show will not only be some of our audience's first experience of Shakespeare, but also of live theatre.
'Along with a brilliant cast, creative and production team who have crafted this exciting, engaging and inclusive show, we hope to inspire younger audiences to explore the limitless possibilities in Shakespeare and theatre.’
‘Our first experiences of live theatre can open a whole new world of discovery and opportunities, and so we are delighted to bring Jude Christian’s exciting adaptation of Hamlet for young audiences back to the National Theatre and on tour to schools across the country,’ says Rufus Norris, director of the National Theatre.
He continues: ‘By transforming school halls with this production, we hope to introduce new young audiences to Shakespeare and theatre, and support teachers to ensure drama and creativity continues to be a key part of learning in primary schools.’
