INTERVIEW | Ajani Cabey, Hamnet

After reviewing the “sensational portrayal of love, hope and family” during its sold-out run at The RSC’s Swan Theatre, Hamnet is heading to the West End from 30th September. Hamnet is a stage adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling novel, released back in 2020. Adapted for the stage by Lolita Chakrabarti, we’re so excited more audiences will be able to see this show for themselves during its run at the Garrick Theatre.

Ahead of its opening, we spoke with Ajani Cabey who plays the role of Hamnet to find out more.

Ajani Cabey (Hamnet) and Alex Jarrett (Judith) in Hamnet. Credit Manuel Harlan

Tell us a little bit about your character in Hamnet..

Sure. He’s curious, imaginative, intelligent, mischievous. His Mum’s favourite son. His twin’s favourite twin.

You are reprising this role in the West End after its sold-out run at the RSC, what are you excited about with this transfer?

Being in London’s pretty cool. I don’t know the city that well so there’s time for that. I love reading on a bus or train so I’ll get to that more too. Spending more time with the cast’s a big plus. I love them. The changes in Lolita’s new version of the script have been fun to play around with. I’m excited to share it!

Will you be bringing anything different to your role that you didn’t do before?

I’m not sure. I feel different about myself now as compared to when I began the rehearsal process, and then again when we finished the run in Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s certainly affected how I connect with Hamnet. It’s definitely a privilege to be able to come back and rediscover something I know so well.

For those that don’t know a lot about Hamnet, what is it about?

At its core it’s about Shakespeare’s family. It’s about all of the amazing people who will nurture him into what he eventually becomes. It’s about his wife and his children, love, loss and grief. Their community. The beauty of what can’t be said. And the difficulty of that. It’s about rebellion. Also apples. Actually, I change my answer to just apples.

Before you went into this production, did you read Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling novel?

Yeah.

If you had, what have you enjoyed the most about transferring the book to the stage? Cultivating the relationship with each member of the family is fun, and especially the twin-ness. Agnes’ journey in London is very cool, so it’s good to see that realised too.

What kind of audiences will this stage adaptation appeal to? Those that love the book or Shakespeare. Those piqued by the themes I talked about earlier should come and experience it for sure. It’s a universal family story that will hopefully appeal to all of you. And also there quite a few juicy 16th century insults for those interested in that niche.

If you weren’t playing Hamnet, which other character would you play?

Hmmm… stick me in Judith’s shoes and let’s see who notices what.

If you could bring another book to life on the stage that hasn’t already, which one would you choose?

I’m not a huge fiction reader so I couldn’t say.

Why should people book tickets to come and see Hamnet in the West End?

To be with other people and be entertained. To enjoy the magic of the show. It’s an earnest adaptation of a beautiful book loved by many, and cradled by a bunch of people that care.

Hamnet is performing at the Garrick Theatre from Saturday 30 September to Saturday 17 February.