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Hamnet at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Dates: 2/10/2026 - 3/8/2026
📍 Theatre: Chicago Shakespeare Theater
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The US premiere of Hamnet will take place from February 10 to March 8, 2026, at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Based on the bestselling novel by Maggie O'Farrell and adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti, the play explores the life of Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes Hathaway, during a time of profound personal loss. Kemi-Bo Jacobs stars as Agnes and Rory Alexander as William, bringing their complex relationship to the stage. Directed by Erica Whyman, the production promises an intimate portrayal of family, love, and the enduring impact of grief.
Cast and Creative Team for Hamnet at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Cast
Penny Layden
Mary
Kemi-Bo Jacobs
Agnes
Rory Alexander
William
Troy Alexander
Bartholomew
Nigel Barrett
John/Will Kempe
Haydn Burke
Ensemble
Ajani Cabey
Hamnet
Saffron Dey
Judith
Victoria Elliott
Joan
Heather Forster
Eliza
Thalia Gambe
Ensemble
Karl Haynes
Ned
Ava Hinds Jones
Susanna
Nicki Hobday
Jude
Matilda McCarthy
Tilly/Catherina
Bert Seymour
Burbage/Father John
Creative Team
Lolita Chakrabarti
Playwright
Erica Whyman
Director
Tom Piper
Set and Costume Design
Prema Mehta
Lighting Design
Simon Baker
Sound Design
Oğuz Kaplangi
Music
Amy Ball
Casting
Ayşe Tashkiran
Movement
News About Hamnet at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Review: HAMNET at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
February 14, 2026 Royal Shakespeare Company’s HAMNET is a dramatic and languid stage adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 buzzy novel of the same name.
Chicago Theatre Week 2026 Launches This Week With Productions From Citadel, A Red Orchid, and More
February 02, 2026 Tickets are on sale for Chicago Theatre Week, an annual celebration of the rich tradition of theatre-going in Chicago during which visitors and residents can access value-priced tickets.
Video: In Rehearsal With HAMNET at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
January 21, 2026 Go inside rehearsals for Chicago Shakespeare Theater's presentation of Royal Shakespeare Company's Hamnet, based on the best-selling novel by Maggie O'Farrell, adapted by award-winning playwright Lolita Chakrabarti (Life of Pi, Red Velvet, Hymn), and directed by Erica Whyman.
Royal Shakespeare Company Announces Cast for US Premiere of HAMNET
January 14, 2026 The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced the cast for the US premiere of HAMNET, set to run from February 10 to March 8. This highly anticipated production will showcase a talented ensemble at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, offering audiences a fresh interpretation of Shakespeare's legacy through the lens of his son's perspective.
Tickets for Chicago Theatre Week 2026 to go on Sale This Week
January 05, 2026 Chicago Theatre Week, an annual celebration of the rich tradition of theatre-going in Chicago during which visitors and residents can access value-priced tickets. Chicago Theatre Week 2026 will take place February 5-15, 2026. Find out how to get tickets here.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre and More to Take Part in Chicago Theatre Week
December 16, 2025 Chicago Theatre Week, an annual celebration of the rich tradition of theatre-going in Chicago during which visitors and residents can access value-priced tickets, will take place this winter.
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN & More Set For Chicago Shakespeare Theater's 2025/26 Season Lineup
April 09, 2025 Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) Artistic Director Edward Hall and Executive Director Kimberly Motes have announced the 2025/26 season lineup. The season includes 12 productions across CST’s three stages, with two world premieres, three North American premieres, and six Shakespeare and Shakespeare-adjacent productions.
Chiké Johnson and James Vincent Meredith to Star in HYMN at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
March 27, 2025 Chicago Shakespeare Theater has revealed the cast of Hymn. Legendary Chicago director Ron OJ Parson leads a Chicago cast and creative team. See who is starring and learn more about the production!
Ron OJ Parson To Direct HYMN at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
December 17, 2024 Chicago director Ron OJ Parson will helm the North American premiere of Lolita Chakrabarti's Hymn at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, making his CST directorial debut. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.About the Theatre
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