Play · Off-West End
Hamlet Hail to the Thief
Shakespeare’s great tragedy and Radiohead’s critically acclaimed album collide for a mesmerising live experience that fuses theatre, music and movement. In this frenetic distillation of Shakespeare's masterpiece, music becomes part of the narrative, revealing lies and corruption in a surveillance state Elsinore.
The cast includes Samuel Blenkin as Hamlet, Ami Tredrea as Ophelia, Paul Hilton as Claudius and the Ghost, and Claudia Harrison as Gertrude. The production is adapted and directed by Christine Jones and Steven Hoggett, with Thom Yorke as the third co-creator, and features a live performance of Radiohead's album "Hail to the Thief" reworked by Yorke. The show runs for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes with no interval and has an age guidance of 14+.
Buying advice
How to book
It sells strongly, so the cheapest seats for a date tend to go first. Peak performances carry a surcharge: mid-range seats run £49.50–£110 against £35–£75 off-peak, roughly 47% more, so an off-peak date is the easy saving.
Ways to pay less
Book ahead for the best value, as the cheapest seats for any date go first. An off-peak date is the easy saving, with mid-range seats topping out at £75 against £110 on peak dates, roughly 47% more. The £18 Young Barbican tickets for 16-29 year olds are the best way in, while groups of 10 or more pay from £55 a head on Monday to Thursday performances.
Deals5
Best deals across LondonEvery current deal we track for Hamlet Hail to the Thief, checked daily. Last checked 13 November.
A limited number of day seats are available for each show, released online at 10am and bookable on the Barbican website. Dynamic pricing applies, so prices may vary by date. Subject to availability.
- Young
Young Barbican is free for ages 16-29. Where a show offers it, log in and pick a discounted seat, marked with a yellow star on the seating plan: £18 on current theatre shows, and on some only Monday to Thursday. Two per event, one for you and one for a friend also aged 16-29. Limited availability; bring ID when collecting.
- Group
Groups of 10+ get £55 tickets for Monday to Thursday performances. Not available on the top two Premium price bands, from 21 December to 3 January or in the week commencing 18 January. Subject to availability.
Access Scheme members can book access tickets and, if they need an essential companion, a free ticket for them. Join online or call the Box Office on 020 7101 1188.
UK school groups of 10+ pay £27.50 on Monday and Wednesday performances and Thursday matinees (not the top three price bands). Not valid 21 December to 3 January or the week commencing 18 January. Rates subject to change and availability.
Pricing
+47% peak surcharge (mid-range seats)Peak
Weekends & holidays| Area | Top | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | £175 | £145 |
| Mid-range | £110 | £49.50 |
| Budget | £35 | £18 |
Off-peak
Mid-week| Area | Top | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | £105 | £89.50 |
| Mid-range | £75 | £35 |
| Budget | £25 | £18 |
Prices are taken from the show's official website and are a guide only — they change without notice.
Where to sit
The Barbican's Stalls are the best in the house for legroom and views, but prepare for the continental shuffle. The Circle feels intimate with great central views, and its side slips are cheap but limited. In the Upper Circle, central Row A is highly recommended and smart value. The Gallery is best for spectacle, but the distance loses facial expressions. Seats run from £30 to £150.
The Barbican Theatre's own seating guide, level by level, is below.
Critics
What the critics said
Reviews of this production at Barbican Theatre · Opened 12 November 2026
2 reviews, 2 with star ratings · an average appears once five outlets have given stars
Evening Standard
Nick Curtis · Read the review at Evening Standard“This Radiohead/Bard mash-up is a bizarre shot of adrenaline”
WhatsOnStage
Sarah Crompton · Read the review at WhatsOnStage
Quotes are brief extracts, each with a link to the full review. Star ratings are the outlets’ own; we never work one out from a review’s words. If you publish one of these reviews and would like it removed, email us and we will take it down promptly.
Thinking of going with a group?
There’s a group rate for this show (see the group deal). Register your interest and we’ll try to organise a trip at that rate once enough people are in.
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