Space Hamlet, a madcap sci-fi musical that reimagines Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, will make its London premiere at The Cockpit this autumn, running from 22 to 31 October 2026.
Described as a show for fans of Operation Mincemeat, Avenue Q and Forbidden Planet, the production combines an original glam rock score, violent puppets, Norse gods and intergalactic adventure in a comic retelling of Hamlet.
Set in a distant future where the Denmark System is ruled by space Vikings, Space Hamlet follows Prince Hamlet as he embarks on a cosmic quest for revenge following the murder of his father, King Ham. Along the way he must confront the treacherous Claudius while navigating a universe packed with intrigue, betrayal and larger-than-life characters.
Performed by a cast of eight actor-musicians and featuring an eclectic collection of puppets, the show arrives in London following a sold-out run produced by Open Door Theatre in Norwich in 2025.
The production stars Nic Gordon as Hamlet, alongside Lucas Fox as Claudius, Ruby Bardwell-Dix as Ophelia, Amy Beven, Shem Jacobs, Lauren Bryant, Elle Overvoorde and Lewis Aves.
Featuring an original Bowie-inspired score by Dan Sturman and R.C. Staab, the pair have collaborated for more than a decade, including on their musical Zombie Wedding, which was previously a hit at NYC Fringe Festival before later being produced in Gorleston.
Director April Nash said: “It is incredibly exciting to stage our show at The Cockpit, a space renowned for hosting bold, boundary-pushing new work. With our talented cast of eight actors in a universe of puppet aliens and Viking warriors get ready for an epic production that’s out of this world.”
Previous praise for the show includes Cultivated, which said: “Everyone still dies, but there are a lot more laughs along the way”.
Space Hamlet is recommended for audiences aged 12+ and has a running time of two hours and 15 minutes including an interval.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
