Hamlet Hail to the Thief Tickets
Opens 31st October
Rock’n’roll and revenge: Shakespeare’s tragedy meets Radiohead's acclaimed album in this “inventive theatrical mash-up” (New Statesman).
Hamlet Hail to the Thief in London
Radiohead meets Revenge in Hamlet Hail to the Thief, a thrilling fusion of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy with the music of the acclaimed rock band. The production, a play with music, comes to the Barbican Theatre, a short walk from Moorgate, for a strictly limited run this winter, following sell-out runs in Manchester and Stratford-upon-Avon. Featuring live musicians on stage alongside actors, you won't want to miss this “inventive theatrical mash-up” (New Statesman).
What Is the Play Hamlet Hail to the Thief About?
The music of Radiohead fuses with Shakespeare in this brand-new version of one of the Bard’s most famous tragedies. Elsinore is now a surveillance state where paranoia reigns, and corruption runs rampant. As ghosts and music co-mingle, Hamlet sinks ever further into his quest for revenge, and darkness threatens to consume him. Will anyone be spared their tragic fate, or is the rest silence?
The History of Hamlet Hail to the Thief
This innovative new version of Hamlet delves into the dark heart of Shakespeare’s classic, incorporating the music of Radiohead’s sixth album, Hail to the Thief, as part of the narrative, with musicians performing alongside the actors. The show premiered at the Manchester International Festival, renowned for programming boundary-pushing works, in 2025 before transferring to the RSC. The show was critically acclaimed, and now comes to the Barbican as their big winter show in 2026.
Hamlet Hail to the Thief Creative Team
Hamlet was written by William Shakespeare. Hamlet Hail to the Thief is adapted by Christine Jones with Steven Hoggett, who also co-direct.
Jones is a theatre artist, designer and director, whose credits include immersive experience Queen of the Night and work on Tony and Olivier Award-winning productions including The Outsiders, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Spring Awakening.
Hoggett is a director and choreographer whose credits include Discoshow, Let the Right One In, Angels in America, as well as choreography on Olivier and Tony-winning productions including Rocky: The Musical, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Orchestrations are by Thom Yorke, who also co-created the work, with music by Radiohead. Radiohead are a British alternative rock band, best known for their albums The Bends, Kid A, and OK Computer. Their debut single, "Creep", was a worldwide hit. Radiohead have sold over 30 million albums worldwide, and won numerous awards, including six Grammys, four Ivor Novello Awards, as well as five Mercury Prize nominations, which is the most of any act. In 2019, Radiohead were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Tickets for Hamlet Hail to the Thief at the Barbican
Filled with paranoia, revenge and glittering darkness about in Hamlet Hail To The Thief - “believe the hype” (Guardian)! One of the greatest rock bands of all time meets the UK's most celebrated playwright in this “coming together of the two greatest miracles of consciousness” (New Statesman). This “lucid, angsty revenge tragedy, played with clarity and verve” (Guardian) comes to London for a strictly limited run this winter. Secure your tickets for Hamlet Hail To The Thief at the Barbican Theatre today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hamlet Hail to the Thief playing in London?
Hamlet Hail to the Thief is playing at the Barbican Theatre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS.
What is the age recommendation for Hamlet Hail to the Thief?
Hamlet Hail to the Thief is best for age 14+. Children under 16 must be accompanied by and sat next to an adult.
How long is Hamlet Hail to the Thief?
The running time for Hamlet Hail to the Thief at Barbican Theatre is 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Is there an interval during Hamlet Hail to the Thief?
No, Hamlet Hail to the Thief doesn't have an interval.
Can I buy tickets for Hamlet Hail to the Thief at the box office?
Yes you can buy from the Barbican Theatre box office where you will pay the face value ticket price, sometimes with a small booking fee. Search on SeatPlan to get the best prices and deals in one search including discounts not available at the box office.
What is the refund / cancellation policy?
Tickets for Hamlet Hail to the Thief are generally non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
SeatPlan works with multiple suppliers to find the best deal for you. Each supplier has their own refund and cancellation policy, which you can review on the payment page before you complete your purchase.
