Manchester’s Factory International was transformed into a dystopian Elsinore as Hamlet Hail to the Thief made its electrifying world premiere last night.
The radical new production – a collaboration between Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, acclaimed directors Steven Hoggett and Christine Jones, and the Royal Shakespeare Company – reimagines Shakespeare’s tragedy through the fractured, haunting lens of Hail to the Thief, Radiohead’s 2003 album.
READ MORE: Hamlet meets Radiohead in stunning genre-bending world premiere at Factory International
The result is a frenetic, sonically-charged take on Hamlet where Yorke’s deconstructed score becomes part of the storytelling itself. Audiences were treated to live performances from a company of 20 musicians and actors, with Samuel Blenkin delivering a visceral and volatile performance as the tormented prince.
From moments of intimate stillness to explosive choreography and immersive sound design, the production brings new urgency to the play’s themes of power, paranoia and corruption.
Hamlet Hail to the Thief runs at Aviva Studios until 18 May 2025 before transferring to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon in June.
Take a look at some of the standout moments from the world premiere below.
