Shakespeare Birthplace Trust hosts Hamnet screening in Stratford

In Stratford-upon-Avon, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust teams up with Everyman Stratford for a special Hamnet screening, blending cinema with Shakespearean history for English learners. The film arrives in UK cinemas in January, offering a thoughtful look at the writer’s family life as imagined in Maggie O'Farrell's acclaimed novel.

Event details

The joint event brings Hamnet to the town's Everyman cinema on 9 January, followed by a pre-screening Q&A with invited guests. The film stars Jessie Buckley as Agnes (Anne Hathaway) and Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare, with direction by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao.

About the film

Hamnet is a historical drama inspired by Maggie O'Farrell's novel. It centers on Shakespeare's wife Anne Hathaway, known in the story as Agnes, and their son Hamnet, who dies at age 11. The narrative considers how this tragic loss may have influenced one of Shakespeare's most enduring works. Hamnet was the couple's only child and was buried at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford on 11 August 1596.

The story places the young William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway near what is now known as the Birthplace, and it suggests how their family life occurred in that landscape. The Trust also owns Anne Hathaway's Cottage, a country house that offers a view into Hathaway's early life.

Rachael North, chief executive of the Birthplace Trust, says the film may inspire more visitors to walk in the footsteps of Anne (Agnes), William, and Hamnet, to feel the emotional heart of their story. Maggie O'Farrell herself drew inspiration from visiting the Birthplace, and the Trust hopes its buildings provide visitors with moments that feel both inspiring and revelatory.

“As well as bringing to life the stories of the Shakespeare family, the film helps bring the cottage to life as a historic building that has stood for centuries and which we are proud to steward,” North adds. “The cottage, and the tale of Hamnet, show the human side of Shakespeare, Anne, and their family, and it will be wonderful to see that on the big screen.”

Martin Simms, sector lead at Production Central WM, calls Zhao's adaptation brilliant. “It is a reminder of how original storytelling often begins in the West Midlands, rooted in local history and places,” he explains. He also notes that the new film production office in the region will help connect professionals with the Birthplace Trust and other local sites to bring more stories to life on screen.

What to expect for visitors

Attendees can expect a blend of film and heritage, with Shakespeare’s family homes providing a tangible backdrop to the cinematic experience. Further event details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Short summary

The co-hosted Hamnet screening in Stratford highlights the link between literature, place, and family history, while showcasing how historic venues can support modern storytelling. The event offers a unique chance to engage with Shakespeare's world beyond the page and to explore the Birthplace and its surroundings.

Key takeaway: The partnership between the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and a local cinema brings Shakespeare's family story to life on screen and in the historic Stratford setting. Source: BBC News