Hail to the Thief

Today we head to Manchester as we have tickets for ‘Hamlet Hail to the Thief’ at Aviva Studios. I’ve been very late to pick up on this performance, and as it ends this weekend we’re very lucky to find the last two tickets for tonight’s show - one in the front row! 

We used to be regular visitors to the city, often coming over for weekends, but it seems ages since we were here. 

Aviva Studios is certainly a new venue for us - and largely a new area for us to explore. The futuristic building opened in 2023, and is described as ‘the home of Factory International, a landmark new cultural space for Manchester and the world……The multi-use space can adapt to host any kind of set-up — from intimate theatre shows and intricate exhibitions, to huge multimedia performances and warehouse-scale gigs fit for the greatest artists of our time.’ 

As in many cities, development often revives old rundown industrial areas, and here it’s alongside the river Irwell. There are many outdoor areas for dining and recreation round about and this afternoon everywhere is absolutely teeming with people (mostly a good deal younger than us!) out enjoying the glorious sunshine. And for me, of course, the river offers fabulous reflections of old brickwork and bridges as well as new tower blocks.  

Inside the building, we’re impressed by the very reasonable prices for both food and beverages, and there are plenty of places to sit.  I wish we’d come here for our pre-show meal rather than the rather pricey Habbibi’s Middle Eastern food. 

The performance itself is excellent. This is a fast paced Hamlet - 1 hour 50 minutes with no interval - with live music adapted by Tom Yorke from Radiohead’s Hail to the Thief. The musicians are excellent, as are the actors, and the sound system is perfect. I love being so close to the stage, and G assures me he doesn’t mind being further back - not that he was really given an option! The use of music means there’s quite a bit of very effective choreography too - which I certainly appreciate.  

The only negative is the seats.  They have no padding of any kind and it’s particularly difficult for me to sit for such a length of time. I’d have brought my own cushion if I’d known! 

That aside, I’m so pleased we managed to catch this production’s penultimate performance here. A combined production by Factory International and the RSC, it will be moving to Stratford - and I’d recommend you see it if you can! 


My main today is a view from one of the old bridges over the Irwell, with shots of Aviva Studios and the curtain call in extras. 

https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/hamlet-hail-to-the-thief/