Hamlet Hail to the Thief (Photo by Manuel Harlan) Creative staging design, fit for Shakespeare
From immersive audience access to a fully integrated grave trap, our collaboration with Factory International and the Royal Shakespeare Company pushed creative and structural boundaries to deliver a dynamic performance space for Hamlet Hail to the Thief.
Creative excitement from the start
Some projects demand more than just technical expertise and call for total creative commitment. We could barely contain our excitement when we were appointed to provide staging solutions for Hamlet Hail to the Thief, a bold new adaptation co-produced by Factory International and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), was one of those rare productions.
Engineering a monumental staging design
Led by the phenomenal Production Manager Simon MacColl, we were brought in to create and build the stage infrastructure, including the insulated booths for the musicians and the imposing facade of Elsinore Castle, which would serve as the backbone of the entire set.
Working in close collaboration with Footprint Scenery from the outset and guided by designs from AMP Collective and Sadra Tehrani, we helped bring to life a set that was minimalist yet monumental. Every element needed to work in harmony, supporting the cast, the musicians, and the action of this frenetic adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic.
(L-R) Brandon Grace (Laertes), Samuel Blenkin (Hamlet) and cast of Hamlet Hail to the Thief (Photo Manuel Harlan) 
(L-R) Paul Hilton (Claudius) and Claudia Harrison (Gertrude) in Hamlet Hail to the Thief (Photo Manuel Harlan) Prototyping to prepare for performance
Key to the project’s success was our early prototyping process. Building a test version of the stage in the rehearsal room was crucial to give performers the chance to interact with the structure and fully experience the space and prepare for the challenges that would come with it. It also allowed us to refine technical components, from the booths to the access points.
Designing the unexpected
The main stage was a complex and an ambitious build. At its heart was the grave trap, a concealed feature that became a pivotal element of the performance, not just in design but in dramatic function. It served as a focal point for some of the most intense moments on stage. We also designed a discreet escape route from the trap, using clever structural solutions to ensure seamless integration. Every element had to work in sync to support a fast-paced, high-energy production, and we made sure the stage delivered at every turn.
Immersive design, lasting collaboration
In addition to creating a robust stage environment for the performers, we considered the audience experience carefully. We integrated ramps and access points to enable spectators to move freely within the space, creating an immersive experience and blurring the lines between audience and action.
Hamlet Hail to the Thief (Photo by Manuel Harlan) 
(Centre of shot) Paul Hilton (Claudius) and the cast of Hamlet Hail to the Thief (Photo by Manuel Harlan) As the production transfers to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, we are working on adapting the design for its next chapter. This was a true collaboration with Simon MacColl, Footprint Scenery, and the wider production team – ambitious, dynamic, and rewarding from start to finish. Seeing the final product come together was a moment of triumph. As much as we love a great show, we also love working with amazing partners, and this project was no exception. It was an incredible experience to be involved in this production, and we were proud to be part of it.
(L-R) Paul Hilton (Claudius) and Samuel Blenkin (Hamlet) in Hail to the Thief (Photo by Manuel Harlan) 
(Front of shot) Romaya Weaver and James Cooney and the cast of Hamlet Hail to the Thief (Photo by Manuel Harlan) 
Hamlet Hail to the Thief (Photo by Manuel Harlan) 
Hamlet Hail to the Thief (Photo by Manuel Harlan)