Thom Yorke, the frontman of Radiohead, is teaming up with directors Steven Hoggett and Christine Jones for a new theatrical adaptation titled “Hamlet Hail to the Thief.” This innovative production merges Shakespeare’s classic tragedy with music from Radiohead’s 2003 album “Hail to the Thief.”
Described as a “feverish new live experience,” the adaptation will feature Shakespeare’s original text enhanced by reworked tracks from the album. The music will be performed live by a cast of 20 musicians and actors.
In this reimagined version, Elsinore is depicted as a surveillance state. The story focuses on Hamlet and Ophelia as they uncover the lies and corruption plaguing Denmark, gradually revealed through the influence of ghosts and music. The production promises to explore themes of paranoia and tragic downfall.
Steven Hoggett, an Olivier Award-winning choreographer and director, is known for his acclaimed works including “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime,” “Black Watch,” and “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Christine Jones, a Tony and Olivier Award-winning designer, has created sets for productions such as “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” “American Idiot,” and “Spring Awakening.” The creative team also includes Justin Levine for arrangements and AMP Collective, featuring Sadra Tehrani for set design.
“Hamlet Hail to the Thief” is co-produced by Factory International, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and ATC Experience, with Nate Koch and Vivek J. Tiwary representing TEG+. Casting details will be announced later.
Yorke described the project as “an interesting and intimidating challenge,” emphasizing that the music will serve as a “presence” that interacts with both the action and text.
Christine Jones, who initially proposed combining the play with the album, remarked that “the play haunts the album, and the album haunts the play.” She noted that both works reflect deep internal unrest and rage stemming from despair.
Hoggett added that to convey this expansive narrative, they are drawing inspiration from movement, text, lighting, sound, and music to capture the complexities of storytelling.
The production is set to premiere at Aviva Studios in Manchester from April 27 to May 18, 2025, before moving to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from June 4-28, 2025.
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