Radiohead's Thom Yorke has joined forces with directors
Steven Hoggett and
Christine Jones for a new theatrical adaptation of
Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', featuring music from the band's album
'Hail to the Thief'.'Hamlet Hail to the Thief' will premiere at Factory International, Manchester on 27th April, before transferring to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon on 4th June. The production features Yorke's new orchestrations of
Radiohead's 2003 album performed live by a cast of musicians and actors.
Samuel Blenkin will take the lead role as Hamlet, with
Ami Tredrea as Ophelia,
Paul Hilton as Claudius/Ghost, and
Claudia Harrison as Gertrude. The cast also includes
Alby Baldwin, Brandon Grace, James Cooney, Felipe Pacheco, Tom Peters, and
Romaya Weaver.The adaptation centres on Hamlet and Ophelia's discovery of corruption in Denmark, with Radiohead's music becoming an integral part of the narrative. The production incorporates songs including '
There There', '2+2=5', and '
Go to Sleep' from the original album.
