Radiohead's album meets Shakespeare's tragedy on a London stage when Hamlet Hail to the Thief opens at the Barbican Theatre.
The production begins performances October 31, 2026, and continues through January 23, 2027.
Christine Jones and Steven Hoggett co-direct and adapted the work. Thom Yorke created the orchestrations using music from the band's 2003 album Hail to the Thief.
The show received its world premiere in 2025 at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Earlier performances occurred at Aviva Studios in Manchester.
Samuel Blenkin stars as Hamlet for the London engagement.
Radiohead frontman and orchestrator Thom Yorke reflected on the transfer. “I’m finally bringing Hamlet Hail to the Thief to London, and to the Barbican of all places! It is fascinating and very strange to me how this came to life and how it has worked.”
Co-director and adapter Christine Jones noted the continued relevance of the material. “Both the play and the album continue to speak urgently to the convulsed world we find ourselves in.”
The dates were confirmed in reports from The Guardian and Variety. The Royal Shakespeare Company site provides additional production history and a trailer.
This unique blend of rock music and Shakespearean drama offers theatergoers a fresh perspective on both the album and the play. The music enhances the emotional depth of the characters and the story. Fans of Radiohead will recognize the distinctive sound while new audiences discover the band's work through this theatrical lens. The Barbican Theatre provides an ideal venue for this ambitious production with its excellent acoustics and staging capabilities. The transfer to London marks an important milestone for the creative team behind the show. Many theater enthusiasts are looking forward to experiencing this performance in the capital city. The combination of talents from different artistic fields creates something truly special and memorable for all who attend the shows during the run. The lighting and set design contribute to the atmosphere that matches the mood of the songs and the play's themes of power, betrayal, and madness. Audiences have praised the seamless integration of live music with the acting performances. The directors have worked hard to ensure that the adaptation stays true to the spirit of both sources. This project represents a bold experiment in cross-genre storytelling that could influence future productions in similar veins. Overall the show promises to be a highlight of the theater season in London.
