Radiohead’s ‘Hamlet Hail to the Thief’ Heads to London’s Barbican With ‘Alien: Earth’ Star Samuel Blenkin

Radiohead's 2003 album "Hail to the Thief" will be integrated into a new production of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" titled "Hamlet Hail to the Thief," which will premiere at London's Barbican Theatre on October 31, 2026, and run until January 23, 2027. This production represents the show's London debut, following successful sold-out runs at the Royal Shakespeare Company and Aviva Studios. The lead role of Hamlet will be portrayed by Samuel Blenkin, known for his role in "Alien: Earth." The production aims to fuse the thematic elements of Shakespeare's tragedy with the sonic and lyrical landscape of Radiohead's "Hail to the Thief," which was released in 2003. The creative team behind the production includes director Ian Rickson, who previously directed "Jerusalem" and "The Birthday Party." The Barbican Theatre has a history of hosting innovative theatrical productions, and this collaboration is expected to draw significant attention from both theatre and music enthusiasts. The show's extended run suggests confidence in its appeal and potential for critical acclaim.