We are delighted that Shakespeare in a Suitcase – Hamlet has been nominated for four awards at the 25/26 Fringe Theatre Awards, in the Theatre for Young Audiences categories. The nominations are for Design, Music, Direction and Overall Production.

The nominations follow the show’s run at Polka Theatre, where it played to young audiences as part of its wider tour. Alongside its theatre performances, the production has also visited schools and libraries, bringing live performance into education and community settings. We are incredibly proud of reaching wide audiences through our work, including children who may never have experienced live theatre before.

Hamlet was the first production in our Shakespeare in a Suitcase series; interpretations of Shakespeare’s work for primary schools and family audiences – Challenging ourselves to re-tell these powerful stories in just one hour. to make its themes accessible and engaging for younger viewers.

A smart, playful and musically rich Hamlet… without ever underestimating its young audience.

-Everything Theatre

Design by Rachana Jadhav centres on a minimal, flexible set built around a single suitcase.

Music by Greg Hall is performed live, underscoring key moments and shaping the atmosphere.

The production is directed by Michael Judge, creating quality theatre, quietly ambitious in what it asks young people to engage with.

The Fringe Theatre Awards shortlist is expected to be announced shortly after the nomination period closes at the end of March. Winners are to be revealed at the annual awards ceremony later in the year.

The four nominations acknowledge the collaborative work of the team, and NIE’s continued commitment to tell playful stories that connect us all.