Radiohead and Shakespeare collide as Hamlet Hail to the Thief heads to the Barbican

Following acclaimed, sold-out runs in Manchester and Stratford-upon-Avon, Hamlet Hail to the Thief will make its London premiere at the Barbican Theatre this autumn, running from 31ˢᵗ October 2026 to 23ʳᵈ January 2027.

The ambitious production fuses Shakespeare’s Hamlet with Radiohead’s 2003 album Hail to the Thief, reimagined by the band’s frontman Thom Yorke. Co-created by Yorke alongside directors Christine Jones and Steven Hoggett, the show combines live music, movement and theatre, with Radiohead’s songs performed on stage by a cast of musicians and actors.

Described as a “fast-paced distillation” of Shakespeare’s tragedy, the production explores Hamlet and Ophelia’s awakening to corruption and deceit within the state of Elsinore, with Yorke’s reworked album underscoring themes of paranoia, fear and political unrest.

Samuel Blenkin will reprise his role as Hamlet, joined by Ami Tredrea as Ophelia. Returning cast members also include Paul Hilton as Claudius/Ghost, Claudia Harrison as Gertrude, Alby Baldwin as Horatio and Brandon Grace as Laertes.

Reflecting on the transfer, Yorke said: “I’m into 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. When it revealed itself to us over time, I was shocked, having never had this kind of experience before.”

Jones added that bringing the production into the Barbican’s “brutalist space seems fated”, while Hoggett described the opportunity to further develop the show as “truly thrilling”, calling the venue “a perfect home” for its fusion of music, movement and text.

Originally released in 2003, Hail to the Thief was Radiohead’s sixth studio album, featuring tracks including There There, 2+2=5 and Go to Sleep. Created in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and the subsequent War on Terror, the record’s themes of anxiety, paranoia and political unease form a striking backdrop to Shakespeare’s tale of power, betrayal and revenge.

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Photos: Manuel Harlan

Hamlet Hail to the Thief is at Barbican Theatre from 31^st October until 23^rd January 2027. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.