Sunday 8 February | Doors: 2.30 pm, Screening 3 pm
Join us for our second Theatre Sunday at Thornham Village Hall and The Orange Tree, featuring a striking new production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet from National Theatre Live. Following the great success of our first Theatre Sunday, which ended with a large group strolling over to The Orange Tree for a delicious meal, great company and some lively post-screening discussion, we’re delighted to invite you to be part of the next one.
Filmed live at the National Theatre, this bold reimagining stars Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) as Hamlet, alongside Francesca Mills as Ophelia and Alastair Petrie as Claudius. Set in a contemporary world, the production strips away formality to reveal a deeply human, emotionally charged story that feels urgent, accessible and compelling. The Guardian praised it as a “beautifully choreographed production”, while the Financial Times described it as “fresh and quizzical” — acclaim echoed by critics who have highlighted its clarity, pace and emotional intelligence.
At the heart of the play is a young Prince caught between power and duty, grief and rage, wrestling with the consequences of action and inaction as he sets out on a path of revenge. This production brings Shakespeare’s themes sharply into focus, making them resonate clearly for modern audiences — whether you know Hamlet well or are encountering it for the first time.
To give a flavour of what makes this production so distinctive, watch this short behind-the-scenes film exploring the making of one of the show’s most gripping moments: the fight scene. The documentary offers a fascinating insight into how choreography, storytelling and character come together to create tension and meaning on stage.
And to get a compelling glimpse of Abeysekera’s Hamlet powerful performance watch this clip “O what a rogue and peasant slave am I” – one of Shakespeare’s most famous soliloquies. Delivered with striking clarity and emotional intensity, it captures the psychological depth that has made this interpretation so widely praised.
Make it your kind of Theatre Sunday
You’re very welcome to simply enjoy the screening — or, if you’d like to make more of the afternoon, turn it into a relaxed Theatre Sunday by adding a meal at The Orange Tree. Whether you choose to dine before the screening or head over afterwards to continue the conversation, it’s an easy, enjoyable Sunday in the village, with no travelling, no rushing and no cooking required.
- Screening only: £10
- Theatre Sunday (screening + meal at The Orange Tree): £35 per person
- Click here for tickets
We look forward to welcoming you to Thornham Village Hall for an afternoon of exceptional theatre, good food (if you choose), and great company.