Shakespeare in a Suitcase – Hamlet

The most famous story in the world … in 55 minutes!

On tour now

London, United Kingdom - Thursday 22 October 2020 - New International Encounter, Hamlet.

"Hugely enjoyable and accessible version of Hamlet...The small ensemble cast brought to life numerous characters with help from some surprising props. Who knew so much comedy was contained in this well-known tragedy?"

— Joanne Grey. Partnerships, Cambridgeshire County Council

Hamlet is available to book now for shows in Spring 2026 - see below for more details

“To be, or not to be, that is the question.”

With just two actors, one musician, seven props, and a suitcase, NIE reimagines the world’s most famous play in a funny and accessible way.

Hamlet is a family drama of revenge, justice, and moral dilemmas. NIE’s ensemble combine Shakespearean verse, contemporary language, and inventive staging to make the story engaging and exciting for young audiences.

The production is brought to life with an original soundtrack, live music and sound effects. In just 60 minutes we’ll take you on a roller-coaster of excitement, humour and grief in this bitesize retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tale.

Running time: 55 minutes + Audience Q&A

Performed in English

Suitable for Schools & Family audiences Age 8+

Warnings – References Ophelia’s suicide.

Further resources to support this show can be found on our Creative Learning pages here.

Shakespeare in a Suitcase – Hamlet will be touring again Spring 2026. Initially looking for dates in weeks beginning 2nd & 9th Feb. If you are a school, theatre, venue, library or festival, and are interested in booking us to perform with you – drop us an email

Further information can be found in our venue touring pack: Hamlet Tour Pack – Venues – Spring 2026

Please note – this pack is for theatre venues – we do not need a stage or lighting rig to make the show work, but if you’ve got one, we’ll use it!

We are keen to ensure everyone has access to excellent live theatre, if the fee is a barrier for your school or venue, then please get in touch.

Trailer 1

Trailer 2 Schools

Suitable for ages 8+

Produced by NIE

Press

“The production of Hamlet was amazing. All the children were really engaged and on the edge of their seats. The music was brilliant…A truly enjoyable afternoon for all. I would throughly recommend.”
– Mrs Griffiths Y5 teacher

“I liked when she was singing love songs and when she was dancing. It made me feel interested of what will happen next and made me feel happy”
– Young audience member

“I really felt it. It was amazing, it was deep but they made the audience laugh to”
– Young audience member

“I really liked it because it had humour, heart-break and pain. The music was great. I loved the songs and the sound was calming. I especially liked the fight at the end. The way they told the story appealed to me.”
– Young audience member

“You guys are such talented people, I would love you to come again (please do!) You are good singers. I found it funny to. It’s probably my first theatre act seeing you at the school.
– Young audience member

Credits

Director – Michael Judge

Designer – Rachana Jadhav

Lighting Designer – Trui Malten

Composer – Greg Hall

Performer – Jodie Davey, Greg Hall and Abayomi Oniyide

R&D Performer – Rose McPhilemy

Producer – Ruth Carter-Moore

Hamlet was the first of 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.

This show has previously toured to schools in Cambridgeshire and London, it was part of The Library Presents programme in the autumn 2021, and presented at the Internationale Maifestspiele Weisbaden in 2023.