Lolita Chakrabarti's newest play, Hamnet, begins performances in the West End September 30, following its world premiere at Stratford-upon-Avon.

Following its sold-out run in Stratford, Hamnet plays London's Garrick Theatre through January 6, 2024. Directed by Erica Whyman and starring Madeleine Mantock as Agnes/Anne and Tom Varey as William, the sold-out Stratford engagement played the Swan Theatre April 1–June 17.

In addition to Mantock and Varey, the company of Hamnet includes Sarah Belcher, Will Brown, Haydn Burke, Ajani Cabey, Faye Campbell, Frankie Hastings, Karl Haynes, Alex Jarrett, Hannah McPake, Elizabeth Rider, Rose Riley, Harmony Rose-Bremner, Obioma Ugoala, and Peter Wight.

The work, described as "a love letter to passion, birth, grief, and the magic of nature," is based on Maggie O'Farrell's best-selling novel of the same name, which explores the personal life of William Shakespeare and his wife after they suffer the loss of their 11-year-old son to the plague.

Chakrabarti—whose Life of Pi played Broadway last season—has gathered a creative team that includes RSC designer Tom Piper, lighting designer Prema Mehta, sound designer Xana, music director Alice Brown, movement director Ayse Tashkiran, original music composer Oğuz Kaplangi, fight director Kate Waters, casting director Amy Ball, and dramaturg Pippa Hill.

The play has already been optioned by Hera Pictures, with a film in development with Neal Street Productions. Chiara Atik is writing the screenplay.