National Theatre Live: Hamlet 2026
"‘The play’s the thing’"
Overview
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question–you know the one. National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director, Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Operation Mincemeat) directs this sharp, stylish and darkly funny reimagining.
Director: Robert Hastie
Cast
Hiran Abeysekera
Hamlet
Alistair Petrie
Claudius
Geoffrey Streatfeild
Polonius
Ayesha Dharker
Gertrude
Francesca Mills
Ophelia
Ryan Ellsworth
Ghost/Player King/First Gravedigger
Tessa Wong
Horatio
Tom Glenister
Laertes
Phil Cheadle
Marcellus
Kiren Kebaili-Dwyer
Fortinbras
