RSC Opens National Tour of Hamlet
at the Cornwall Playhouse

After months of planning, collaborating, and building together, we’ve officially opened the national tour of Rupert Goold’s landmark Royal Shakespeare Company production of Hamlet - right here on the Cornwall Playhouse stage. And what a start it’s been. Standing ovations, packed audiences, and a glowing first wave of reviews.

“What a treat to have such a high-level, classic theatrical production choose to begin their tour here in Cornwall."

- Cornwall 365

“The production of Hamlet was outstanding and Hall for Cornwall is always a delight. So impressed that the RSC started their tour here."

- Audience member

Bringing a production of this calibre to Cornwall, and opening the national tour, tells a powerful story. Cornwall is not the end of the line - our landscape, rich history in embracing new work and a deep love of drama combine to make us the perfect ignition point. A place where world class work can flourish and take flight. This moment reflects more than a decade of collaboration between HfC and the RSC and our shared commitment to communities across Cornwall.

A man with black hair and beard raises arm in the air as if indicating music pitch
Music Director Dan de Cruz with cast member Kat Collings (left). © Marc Brenner

A partnership more than a decade in the making

Our relationship with the RSC is a partnership built over more than ten years, rooted in shared values, artistic ambition, and a belief in the power of creativity to change lives.

Together we’ve led the charge in transforming the way Shakespeare is taught in schools using RSC rehearsal room techniques. With our Lead Associate School Treviglas Academy in Newquay, we’ve created performance opportunities that have made waves for young performers across Cornwall. We’ve supported hundreds of teachers, and enabled thousands of young people to be involved, performing both in Cornwall and Stratford-upon-Avon. Parallel to this, our HfC Partner Schools receive curated support specific to their needs, deploying the power of performance to equip teachers and support young people in Cornwall to find their tribe, build self-confidence and explore creativity.

Building Cornwall’s Creative Economy

To open the tour, the RSC embedded themselves in our building for an extended production week - a rare opportunity. Our technical crew worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the RSC’s specialists - learning, exchanging techniques, solving problems together, and building the world of the show aboard the extraordinary ocean liner-inspired set, designed by Es Devlin.

Moments like these aren’t just beneficial. They’re transformational.

One woman and one man, both wearing glasses, pore over a computer screen

RSC's video designer, Akhila Krishnan and technician, Andrea Casagni at work in the Cornwall Playhouse auditorium. © Marc Brenner.

“We have had a great time in Cornwall with RSC colleagues working alongside Hall for Cornwall’s technical crew and wider teams, ensuring everything has run smoothly for the opening performances of the Hamlet tour. We are delighted with the way audiences have responded to the show, and are excited to see the community responses to the play taking place around the theatre. Hall for Cornwall has done a fine job in helping Hamlet set sail on its journey across the country."

- Tricia Coleman, RSC Producer, Hamlet tour

A building buzzing with creativity

While Hamlet has taken over our main stage, the whole building has been pulsing with wraparound performances from our youth drama and dance companies, our Next Stage group for over 60s, and our Shakespeare Nation community group, run in partnership with the RSC.

From the Playhouse Bar to the rehearsal room, these pop-up performances have taken place across the building before each show, showcasing Cornwall’s creativity.

Join us in celebrating

Hamlet runs at the Cornwall Playhouse until Saturday 28 Feb 2026: don’t miss it.

Come along early to catch our young people and community groups in action, witness this monumental show for yourself, and be part of a moment we’ll be talking about, long after the ship we’ve helped to launch has left our stage.

Hamlet by the Royal Shakespeare Company
Running until Sat 28 Feb 2026

Tickets available to book here.