Find out more about Shakespeare's Hamlet as well as information on current and past productions of the play.
Plot synopsis
The King of Denmark is dead and has been succeeded by his brother Claudius. Claudius has also married Gertrude, the widowed Queen. Hamlet, Gertrude's son, is already distressed by his father's death and the hasty remarriage and when his father's ghost appears to tell him that he had been murdered by Claudius, Hamlet vows revenge. To cover his intentions, he feigns madness.
Polonius, the Lord Chamberlain, whose daughter Ophelia is all but betrothed to Hamlet, believes that his madness is caused by repressed love and sets a trap for them. Spied on by Polonius and Claudius, Hamlet encounters Ophelia and violently rejects her. Read more...
Watch video clips
Visit Exploring Shakespeare for an insight into Michael Boyd's previous production, including video clips from the play and themes. Read more...
Online play guide
With a who's who and production history. Read more...
Digitised picture archive
See pictures from productions of Hamlet throughout the centuries. See more...
Read or listen to the play in advance
The RSC Shop has recordings of the plays and copies of the play texts available to buy online.
