Celebrate Shakespeare's Legacy with a Special Hamnet Film Screening Event!

A special screening of the film 'Hamnet' is set to take place in Stratford-upon-Avon to mark its UK release. The event, co-hosted by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Everyman Cinema, will feature a showing of the film along with a pre-screening Q&A session with special guests. The screening is scheduled for January 9 at the Everyman Cinema, with more details to be announced soon. 'Hamnet' stars Jessie Buckley as Agnes (Anne Hathaway) and Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare, and is based on Maggie O'Farrell's award-winning novel. The story is a fictional account of the lives of Shakespeare's wife and son, exploring themes of love and loss.

Directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, the film delves into the impact of the death of Hamnet, Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway's only son, who died at the age of 11 in 1596. The movie suggests that this tragedy may have influenced some of Shakespeare's most famous works. The film also highlights the family’s connection to Stratford-upon-Avon, including Anne Hathaway's Cottage, which is now managed by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. The cottage offers visitors a glimpse into the rural life of young Anne and the landscape she grew up in.

Rachael North, chief executive of the Trust, expressed hope that the film would inspire more people to visit the historic sites associated with the Shakespeare family. She believes that seeing the story of Hamnet and the family’s home on screen will help audiences connect with the human side of Shakespeare. Martin Simms, sector lead at Production Central WM, praised Zhao’s adaptation, calling it a brilliant example of original storytelling from the West Midlands. He hopes that the region’s new film production office will encourage more stories like 'Hamnet' to be brought to life, showcasing the area’s diverse locations and creative talent.