Shakespeare Theatre Company Brings Acclaimed Production of 'Hamnet' to Harman Hall

 The award-winning stage adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's bestselling novel "Hamnet" is making its way to Washington, DC this spring. Shakespeare Theatre Company will present this critically-acclaimed production at Harman Hall from March 17 through April 12, 2026, as part of the show's highly anticipated U.S. tour.

Hamnet presented by Shakespeare Theatre Company at Harman Hall

The Royal Shakespeare Company and Neal Street Productions have announced the full cast for the touring production, with Kemi-Bo Jacobs stepping into the role of Agnes and Rory Alexander portraying William. Under the direction of Erica Whyman, this intimate theatrical experience offers audiences a glimpse into the life of history's most celebrated playwright and the woman who shaped his world.

A Story of Love and Loss

Adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright Lolita Chakrabarti, known for her work on "Life of Pi," "Red Velvet," and "Hymn," "Hamnet" explores the personal life of William Shakespeare through an imaginative lens. The production reveals the relationship between the Bard and his wife, Agnes, weaving together themes of passion, parenthood, grief, and humanity's connection to the natural world.

The show originally captivated audiences at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2023, where it broke box office records and played to sold-out crowds. Its subsequent West End transfer to the Garrick Theatre achieved the largest advance ticket sales in that venue's history, cementing the production's status as a theatrical phenomenon.

Talented Cast Brings Characters to Life

Kemi-Bo Jacobs brings extensive theatrical credentials to her portrayal of Agnes. Her stage experience includes notable productions such as "Coriolanus" at the National Theatre, "The Other Boleyn Girl" at Chichester, and "The Winter's Tale" with the RSC. Television audiences may recognize her from Netflix's "The Letter for The King," Hulu's "The Great," and the BBC's "Doctor Who."

Rory Alexander, cast as William, is currently appearing as young Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser in the Starz series "Outlander: Blood of My Blood." His film work includes a leading role in "Inland" alongside Mark Rylance and Kathryn Hunter, which earned him a BIFA longlist nomination for Best Breakthrough Performance. He also appeared in Danny Boyle's "Pistol" and Amazon's "Alex Rider."

Director Erica Whyman expressed her enthusiasm for bringing the production to American audiences, stating: "I am delighted to be revisiting this extraordinary story for U.S. audiences, and to be making this production with a stellar line-up of performers. Kemi-Bo Jacobs and Rory Alexander are bringing Agnes and William alive on the stage with a luminous intelligence and a profound and shocking understanding of the love and loss that shaped their lives. They are joined by a wonderful company bringing a wealth of experience and spirited invention to Lolita's searing adaptation."

She continued: "The play explores Agnes's remarkable spiritual gifts and her relationship with both the natural world and the future with an imaginative theatricality, and audiences should expect beautiful music, movement, and sound design on Tom Piper's stunning set. This is, at its heart, an intimate story of family that finds eternal expression on the stage — to see it in the theater is to bear witness to the astonishing resilience of the human spirit."

A Complete Ensemble

The production features a full company of talented performers, including Troy Alexander as Bartholomew, Nigel Barrett as John/Will Kempe, Ajani Cabey as Hamnet/Thomas Day, Saffron Dey as Judith, and Penny Layden as Mary, among others. The creative team includes set and costume design by Tom Piper, lighting by Prema Mehta, sound by Simon Baker, music by Oğuz Kaplangi, and movement by Ayşe Tashkiran.

Literary Success Translated to Stage

The source material has achieved remarkable success in its own right. Maggie O'Farrell's novel has sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide and received numerous accolades, including the 2020 Women's Prize for Fiction and the National Book Critics Circle Award. The book was named Waterstones Book of the Year in 2020 and became a number one Sunday Times bestseller in 2021.

Show Information

Washington theatergoers can experience "Hamnet" at Shakespeare Theatre Company's Harman Hall, located at 610 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004. The production runs from March 17 through April 12, 2026. Tickets are currently on sale, with prices starting at $39.

Before arriving in DC, the production will play at Chicago Shakespeare Theater from February 10 to March 8. Following its Washington run, "Hamnet" will continue to American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco from April 22 to May 24.

For tickets and additional information about this limited engagement, visit Shakespeare Theatre Company's website or contact their box office directly.