After its sell-out run in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of HAMNET opens for a limited season at the Garrick Theatre from Saturday 30 September. Maggie O'Farrell's award-winning novel has been adapted for the stage by Lolita Chakrabarti and directed by Erica Whyman. Ahead of its opening, we spoke with Alex Jarrett who plays Judith to find out more about this play..
Ajani Cabey (Hamnet) and Alex Jarrett (Judith) - credit Manuel Harlan
After its sell-out run in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of HAMNET opens for a limited season at the Garrick Theatre from Saturday 30 September. Maggie O'Farrell's award-winning novel has been adapted for the stage by Lolita Chakrabarti and directed by Erica Whyman. Ahead of its opening, we spoke with Alex Jarrett who plays Judith to find out more about this play..
Tell us a little bit about your character in Hamnet..
It’s hard to put into words the excellence of Judith. Brilliant. Bold. Caring. Sensitive. She’s a soft but strong soul.
For those that don’t know a lot about Hamnet, what is it about?
Hamnet is about all the incredible women and people in Shakespeare's life. It explores love, passion, grief and lays the foundation of how Agnes’ husband became William Shakespeare.
Before you went into this production, did you read Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling novel?
I read it as soon as I got offered the job. I thought we’d strictly follow the book but what Lolita and Erica have done so beautifully has really lifted it off the page and made it a story of its own.
If you had, what have you enjoyed the most about transferring the book to the stage?
For me, it’s been the freedom of referring back to Maggie’s book when and as we like. Taking little nuggets of knowledge and capturing moments and making them our own.
What kind of audiences will this stage adaptation appeal to?
Anyone who has a family, had a tough childhood, has ever been in love, has ever experienced loss. I believe anyone and everyone can see themselves in a play like this.
If you weren’t playing Judith, which other character would you play?
Definitely Agnes. Her brilliance has no bounds.
If you could bring another book to life on the stage that hasn’t already, which one would you choose?
Well I grew up with authors like Judy Blume, Jacqueline Wilson and Roald Dahl. I would love to see a Jacqueline Wilson book on stage. Behind the bright covers, lie really poignant issues around mental health, abuse and homelessness. All things I’m passionate about.
Why should people book tickets to come and see Hamnet in the West End?
People should book to see Hamnet because it shows a different aspect of Shakespeare’s life and the man himself. It shows his influences and the environment he grew up in. It’s a story of love, grief, relationships and there is something that will resonate with all of us.
Book your tickets for HAMNET now
Playing from 30 September 2023 - 17 February 2024 at Garrick Theatre, don't miss out on this exciting stage adaptation in the West End.
