Experience the magic of Shakespeare in stunning surroundings as Norwich Cathedral brings back its annual open-air theatre event.

Hamlet will be performed in Norwich Cathedral’s Cloister on Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5 2024 for its Shakespeare Festival.

The actors are part of theatre company The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, who are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. 

Eastern Daily Press: A previous production at Norwich Cathedral as part of the Shakespeare FestivalA previous production at Norwich Cathedral as part of the Shakespeare Festival (Image: Bill Smith)

Audiences will be transported back to the state of Denmark of centuries past for this ultimate tale of high stakes, revenge and betrayal where Prince Hamlet famously asks: "To be, or not to be, that is the question.”

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The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming back The Lord Chamberlain’s Men to Norwich Cathedral’s Shakespeare Festival in their 20th anniversary year.

Eastern Daily Press: The Shakespeare Festival at Norwich Cathedral sells out every yearThe Shakespeare Festival at Norwich Cathedral sells out every year (Image: Bill Smith)

“We know how much our audiences enjoy watching their shows in the beautiful surroundings of the Cathedral’s Cloister and we cannot wait to see their latest production of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays.”

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men are a modern-day incarnation of the Bard’s own travelling troupe of players.

They will be performing Hamlet just as it would have been played out in Shakespeare’s day - with an all-male cast, Elizabethan costumes and traditional music and dance.

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Eastern Daily Press: The Lord Chamberlain's Men return to Norwich this summerThe Lord Chamberlain's Men return to Norwich this summer (Image: Bill Smith)

Last year, they wowed audiences at Norwich Cathedral with sold-out performances of Romeo and Juliet. 

Peter Stickney, artistic director, said: “Stylishly distilled down to just over two hours this epic play will astonish, entertain, challenge and delight in equal measure.

"Perfect for those who have never seen it before and hopefully offering something new and exciting for those who know it well. See you in July!”

Tickets cost £22 (plus booking fee) at cathedral.org.uk/shakespeare - there is unreserved seating and the show starts at 7pm on both nights (doors open from 6pm).