‘Excellent – and very terrifying’: James Norton to play Hamlet in West End | stage

James Norton is set to take on his first major role on a Shakespearean stage and will play Hamlet in the West End next year.

The King & Conqueror star said it was a “privilege” and “very terrifying” to be cast as the tragic prince in acclaimed German director Thomas Ostermeier’s production next fall. Norton’s last appearance on stage was in 2023 in the harrowing film A Little Life, based on Hanya Yanagihara’s novel, which the actor described as the hardest thing he had ever done.

Ostermeier first staged his famous version of Hamlet in 2008, then visited London in 2011, playing the title role of Lars Edinger, who wanders into the audience and snatches a critic’s notebook. The director, who has been based in Berlin’s Schaubonne since 1999, said: “I’m delighted to be bringing Hamlet back to the West End… This will be my first time directing Shakespeare in English, and I’m excited to explore the original text in order to bring this new production to life. My first Hamlet has been touring the world for 18 years, so I’m honored to have the opportunity to bring it here to London with James, who in my opinion is the perfect prince.” Denmark.”

While a student at Cambridge University in 2006, Norton played Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Robert Icke. The following year, Norton played Posthumus in a production of Shakespeare’s Cymbeline at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, directed by Trevor Nunn for the Marlowe Society. In 2016, Norton played Richard II in a short film, part of Shakespeare’s Globe’s Complete Walk series which was screened for free at locations along the banks of the River Thames in London to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

Known for his radical and bold approach to classics, Ostermeier has recently had two hits in London: The Seagull, led by Cate Blanchett, and An Enemy of the People, with Matt Smith. Norton praised the interesting and challenging nature of the director’s work. “It is an honor for anyone to play Hamlet,” he said. “It’s very terrifying too! But with Thomas Ostermaier at the helm, I know I couldn’t be in better hands.”

Hamlet is produced by Wessex Grove and Gavin Kalin Productions. Its location, dates and other casting details have not been announced.