Hamlet - Summer Shakespeare

Hamlet is one of Shakespeare’s most dynamic plays, built around its compelling, chameleon-like central character. Our production of Hamlet will feature a woman, Stevie Hancox-Monk, in the eponymous lead role.

Part-ghost story, part-thriller, part-dark comedy, Hamlet moves at a breakneck pace towards a tragic conclusion. An innovative new interpretation of one of the world’s most enduring stories, Summer Shakespeare’s Hamlet is the perfect opportunity to experience the Bard at its best over a family-friendly picnic in the beautiful Dell, Wellington Botanic Gardens.

According to the show’s award-winning director David O’Donnell, Associate Professor in Theatre at Victoria University of Wellington, a female Hamlet reflects Summer Shakespeare’s equal opportunity casting policy and reinforces the relevance of Shakespeare’s greatest writing to all of humanity.

A special Schools Preview will be performed on 14/2/18. Teachers contact: foh@summershakespeare.co.nz for more information.

Please dress warmly, long pants and jersey recommended. Bring a picnic and BYO beverage of your choice.

Show run time is 3 hours including a 15-minute interval.
Wet weather venue is announced five hours before each performance at summershakespeare.nz/current-production/

No smoking or vaping allowed in the Botanic Gardens.

Summer Shakespeare is a 36-year-old tradition in Wellington, proudly sponsored by Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington.