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
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