LONDON — James Norton will play the title role in a West End production of Hamlet, directed by Thomas Ostermeier, in autumn 2027. This will be Ostermeier's first time directing a Shakespeare play in English.

Wessex Grove and Gavin Kalin Productions are producing the play. The specific venue and exact dates for the production have not yet been announced. James Norton said: "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."

Ostermeier said: "I am pleased to be revisiting Hamlet for the West End. 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." Ostermeier first staged his version of Hamlet in 2008, with that production visiting London in 2011. Lars Eidinger played the title role in the 2011 London production. Ostermeier has been based at the Schaubühne in Berlin since 1999.

Norton last appeared on stage in 2023 in a production of A Little Life, which was based on the novel by Hanya Yanagihara. His previous Shakespearean roles include Don Pedro in a Cambridge University production of Much Ado About Nothing in 2006, directed by Robert Icke. Norton also played Posthumus in a 2007 production of Shakespeare's Cymbeline at Cambridge Arts Theatre, directed by Trevor Nunn for the Marlowe Society. In 2016, he starred as Richard II in a short film produced for Shakespeare's Globe's Complete Walk series.

Ostermeier has previously directed other plays in London, including a production of The Seagull starring Cate Blanchett and An Enemy of the People featuring Matt Smith. Wessex Grove was awarded The Stage Award for Best Producer in 2026. Ostermeier received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale in 2011.