The BBC will broadcast Robert Icke’s critically acclaimed West End production of Hamlet, which sees Sherlock and Spectre star Andrew Scott portray one of Shakespeare’s most famous titular roles, next year.
With just over a fortnight remaining for audiences to see the show at the Harold Pinter Theatre – its run at the venue will be completed on 2 September 2017 – a performance shot live in front of a West End audience will be broadcast nationwide on BBC Two next year, it has been announced.
Starring BAFTA and Olivier Award-winning actor Scott, the production originated at the Almeida Theatre before going on to enjoy a lauded limited season in the West End, with over 55,000 people booked in so far across the entire run. Attracting new audiences, 62% of Hamlet’s audience have been first time attendees, while 15,000 tickets have been sold at £25 or less.
Robert Icke, Director and Almeida Associate Director, said of the announcement: “It has been a real joy to work with such a gifted and dedicated company of actors on bringing this most famous play to audiences in 2017.”
“The production has been on a wonderful journey from the Almeida to the West End, and I am very much looking forward to this next step on BBC Two. To be able to offer our version of Hamlet to as wide and diverse an audience as possible has always been of paramount importance to us, and now we are thrilled to be able to bring it to people across the country.”
In celebration of the show’s final West End weeks, a number of exclusive events have also been held. The final event, a live streamed In Conversation with Icke and Scott, will run on 22 August.
For more information, and to book your Hamlet West End tickets, visit the Almeida Theatre website.