A riotous journey into the afterlife of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy…

Before Hamlet’s famous tale of revenge begins, there was another story waiting to be told. Waiting for Hamlet takes audiences behind the scenes of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, uncovering the untold tale of the Old King and his court jester, Yorick. Arriving in the afterlife poisoned, furious and desperate for revenge, the King finds himself challenged by the one person who can stand in his way - the fool who knows him better than anyone. A battle of wits unfolds between two unlikely adversaries: one who believes he has all the answers and one who knows that wisdom often comes from embracing the absurd.

Filled with sharp comedy, unexpected twists and a surprising obsession with hats, this is a story of love, loss, legacy and learning when to let go. Blending laugh-out-loud humour with moments of genuine heart, Waiting for Hamlet is a bold and irreverent prequel that celebrates Shakespeare while turning his world wonderfully upside down.

Winner of the Kenneth Branagh Award for New Writing and multiple Edinburgh Festival Dark Chat Awards for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, this unforgettable two-hander brings together two acclaimed rural touring performers: Tim Marriott (Jacks Ashes, Watson: The Final Problem) and Nicholas Collett (METTLE).

"Outstanding – funny, insightful and really rather exciting" ★★★★★ - Get Your Coats On "A theatrical joy from beginning to end" ★★★★★ - Reviews Hub "Fantastic performances… a masterclass" ★★★★★ - Upstaged "A joy to see these masters of their craft work their magic" ★★★★ - Broadway Baby