Nearly Lear

Nearly Lear
Performed by Susanna Hamnett

Another chance to enjoy one of last year’s best-selling shows.

What if the great and tragic story of King Lear were to be told through the eyes of his closest companion?

In this dynamic one-woman tour-de-force, Susanna Hamnett plays the Fool (and every other character) to tell a story that – with an exuberant blend of tragedy and humour – honours Shakespeare’s language while taking a bit of poetic licence.

By turns poignant, mischievous, tragic, and hilarious, Nearly Lear is a very personal journey into the heart of Shakespeare’s play.

This award-winning and internationally acclaimed ‘mighty theatrical force’ won the 2024 Best Show Award at the Riverside Studios London Bitesize Festival and was a 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Outstanding Production and Offie nominated show.

Written and performed by Susanna Hamnett, directed by Edith Tankus (Shakespeare’s Globe), with initial development in association with Emma Rice and Mike Shepherd (Wise Children and Kneehigh), Nearly Lear has enthralled audiences from Toronto to Aberdeen, from Broadway and the Kennedy Center to the Sydney Opera House, and is the winner of the prestigious IPAY Victor Award for Outstanding Production.

Susanna’s previous and critically acclaimed play, Hotel Elsinore, came to The Swallow Theatre in 2023 and enjoyed a US coast-to-coast tour in 2024.

"The show was extraordinary in its fineness. So detailed, skilled and full of heart and humanity…the reimagining of Lear was beautiful." Patsy Rodenburg , Master Voice Teacher and Author

"A spirited twist on Shakespeare’s tragedy…bringing the story to life with so much goofy energy and heartfelt conviction that you can’t wait to hear what happens next…" Shakespeare in LA.

"A mighty theatrical force… More wit, mischief and sheer playfulness than you can legally pack into 80 minutes of live theatre!" Aberdeen Press and Journal

★★★★★ "A magical, operatic, world-class theatrical experience" Edinburgh Guide

★★★★ "The acting [is] a masterclass…Hamnett enraptures with her remarkable delivery" Everything Theatre

Duration: approximately 80 minutes straight through
Recommended age : 12+

Tickets : £14.50
Available from online or telephone 01988 850368