National Theatre Live: Hamlet

National Theatre Live: Hamlet (2026) is a drama film directed by Robert Hastie, Christine Lalla rated 6.5/10.

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. Are you watching closely? Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question—you know the one. Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare's famous tragedy. National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director, Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky's Edge, Operation Mincemeat) directs this sharp, stylish and darkly funny reimagining.

Cast

Hiran Abeysekera

Hamlet

Alistair Petrie

Claudius

Geoffrey Streatfeild

Polonius

Ayesha Dharker

Gertrude

Francesca Mills

Ophelia

Ryan Ellsworth

Ghost/Player King/First Gravedigger

Tessa Wong

Horatio

Tom Glenister

Laertes

Phil Cheadle

Marcellus / Captain

Kiren Kebaili-Dwyer

Fortinbras

Joe Bolland

Guildenstern

Mary Higgins

Osric / Voltemand