Happy Valley star James Norton has said it will be “pretty terrifying” to play Hamlet in a new West End production.
Norton, 40, who currently plays Ormund Hightower in HBO’s House Of The Dragon, will take on the role in autumn next year.
The new version of Shakespeare’s tragedy is being directed by Thomas Ostermeier, behind the London productions of The Seagull starring Cate Blanchett and An Enemy Of The People, featuring former Doctor Who star Matt Smith.
Norton said in a statement: “It’s a privilege for anyone to take on the role of Hamlet. It’s also pretty terrifying! But with Thomas Ostermeier at the helm, I know I could not be in better hands.
“Both this role and this director have intrigued me and challenged me over the years, and so I cannot wait to start this journey with Thomas and see where it takes us.”
He last performed on stage in Ivo Van Hove’s 2023 production of Hanya Yanagihara’s bestselling novel A Little Life.
German theatre director Ostermeier said he is pleased to be revisiting the Shakespeare play with Norton.
He added: “It will be my first time directing Shakespeare in English, and I am excited to explore the original text in order to bring this new production to life.
“My first Hamlet has been touring the world for 18 years so I am honoured to have the opportunity to bring it here to London with James, who in my mind is a perfect Prince of Denmark.”
The date and theatre are yet to be announced.
