The first production images from Hamlet Hail to the Thief at the Barbican Theatre have been released, offering a look at one of the most anticipated stage events of the year. The show, which runs until 23 January next year, features photography by Manuel Harlan.
A Manchester Premiere Comes to London
The production follows its world premiere in Manchester at Aviva Studios, home of Factory International and the Royal Shakespeare Company, last year. The creative team behind it - Thom Yorke, Christine Jones and Steven Hoggett - have now brought the show to London.
The piece is a dynamic new version of Hamlet in which Shakespeare's words are illuminated by Radiohead's satirical album Hail to the Thief. The music has been re-worked by Yorke and is performed live by a cast of musicians and actors.
Cast and Story Details
Alien: Earth star Samuel Blenkin plays Hamlet, alongside Ami Tredrea as Ophelia, Paul Hilton as Claudius/Ghost, Claudia Harrison as Gertrude, and Alby Baldwin as Horatio.
The story 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.
The Album and Its Context
Hail to the Thief (2003) is Radiohead's sixth studio album, with singles including 'There There', '2+2=5' and 'Go to Sleep'. Recorded in the wake of the September 11 attacks and the subsequent 'War On Terror', the album underscores a period of paranoia, fear and anxiety, with dystopian themes incorporating Orwell-inspired lyrics and theatrical, Brothers Grimm-style fables.
Inspired by Thom Yorke's preparation work for the show, Radiohead released 'Hail To The Thief – Live Recordings' last September, revisiting archived tracks from live shows between 2003 and 2009.
Tickets are on sale at www.hamlethailtothethief.com.
