Free Hamlet screening at Gatehouse Theatre Stafford to mark World Theatre Day

A free screening of Hamlet is coming to the Gatehouse Theatre in Stafford to mark World Theatre Day 2026.

The special event is due to take place on Friday 27 March at 10.30am and will see last year’s acclaimed production of Hamlet shown on a full HD cinema screen in the theatre’s main auditorium.

A first for the theatre

According to Gatehouse Theatre Stafford, this will be the first time the venue has screened a full Stafford Shakespeare production.

That gives local theatre fans a fresh chance to see one of the theatre’s biggest recent productions on the big screen, even if they missed it during its live run last summer.

First staged in Stafford last summer

The production originally ran at the theatre from 24 June to 5 July 2025.

It starred Benedict Shaw, known for work including Boat Story, The Syndicate, and Emmerdale, in the title role. The production was directed by Richard Cheshire.

Stafford Shakespeare described it as a fast paced and accessible version of one of Shakespeare’s best known plays.

What the play is about

Hamlet follows the Prince of Denmark as he returns home from university to find his father dead, his mother Gertrude remarried, and his uncle Claudius now king.

Soon after, the ghost of Hamlet’s father appears and accuses Claudius of murder, setting Hamlet on a path of revenge.

The story unfolds into a dark drama of madness, betrayal and revenge, with the fate of both a royal family and a kingdom hanging in the balance.

Record audiences last summer

The theatre said the production drew record audiences and widespread critical acclaim during its original run.

Gatehouse Theatre described it as a “hugely acclaimed” production and said the screening will form part of the wider global World Theatre Day celebrations.

How to get tickets

Tickets for the screening are free.

They can be booked online through the Gatehouse Theatre website or through the Box Office on 01785 619080.