Special Hamnet events to celebrate UK release

Special events to celebrate the UK release of the film Hamnet in January will be co-hosted by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

The film, starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, is a historical drama based on Maggie O'Farrell's award-winning novel, which is a fictional account of the lives of William Shakespeare's wife and son.

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is planning events at its properties around Stratford-upon-Avon including a Hamnet tour and talks with special guests.

Hamnet explores love and loss in the lives of Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway, who is referred to in the film and novel as Agnes.

Directed by Oscar-winning Chloé Zhao, the film delves into the impact of the death of Agnes and William's son, Hamnet, and how it could have influenced one of Shakespeare's most enduring masterpieces.

Hamnet Shakespeare, twin to Judith, was Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway's only son.

He died aged just 11 years and was buried in the churchyard at Holy Trinity in Stratford-upon-Avon, on 11 August 1596.

Whilst the young William and Anne would have lived with Shakespeare's parents, at what is now known as The Birthplace, Anne would have no doubt taken her young children to her former family home, and the surrounding landscape in which she grew up.

Also owned by the Trust, Anne Hathaway's Cottage offers an insight into the rural life of the young Anne.

Rachael North, chief executive of the birthplace trust, said: "We hope the film inspires more people to come and walk in Anne (or Agnes), William and Hamnet's footsteps, so they can experience first-hand the love and loss that is at the heart of their story.

"Maggie O'Farrell herself was inspired by visiting the Birthplace and exploring the family's personal story and we hope our buildings offer all our visitors' moments which are inspiring and revelatory."

"As well as bringing to life the stories of the Shakespeare family, the film brings the cottage to life as historical building which has stood for centuries and of which we are all proud custodians," Ms North added.

"The cottage, and the story of Hamnet, give us the human side of Shakespeare, Anne and their own family, and it will be wonderful to see that play out on the big screen."

Martin Simms, sector lead at Production Central WM, described Zhao's adaptation of the novel as "brilliant".

"[It's] inspired by the life of our region's most famous son, William Shakespeare – [and] is another example of how original storytelling starts in the West Midlands.

"Our new dedicated film production office, Production Central WM, will help to bring more inspiring stories like Hamnet to life on the big and small screens by connecting industry professionals with the West Midlands' diverse locations like the Birthplace Trust, as well as state-of-the-art facilities and top creative talent."

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.