‘Measure for Measure’ and ‘Hamlet’ in Shakespeare’s Globe winter season

Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Fir Tree' will run at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse this Christmas.

Ahead of Metamorphoses at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse later this month, Shakespeare's Globe has announced the full winter season, with performances to March 2022. The season includes productions of Measure for Measure, Hamlet and The Merchant of Venice, as well as a new play based on Hans Christian Andersen's The Fir Tree.

"As we slowly emerge from a period of deep uncertainty, change and challenge, we turn to these plays to ask some of the most profound questions about who we are, why we are, and what on earth can we do about it" said artistic director, Michelle Terry. 

"In a quest for love, identity, justice or revenge, these plays are full of people making conscious and unconscious choices that determine either their salvation or destruction. This is a season deliberately designed to tackle the big moral questions and complexities with heart, humour and humanity."

Blanche McIntyre will direct Measure for Measure, which will be adapted to explore hyper-sexualisation in today's polarised society. Previously, McIntyre has directed Hymn at the Almeida Theatre, as well as The Winter's Tale and Barthomolew Fair, both at the Globe. Measure for Measure begins previews on 19 November, with a press night on 2 December and performances to 15 January 2022.

Hannah Khalil's family-friendly show The Fir Tree will run over the Christmas season from 20 - 30 December. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, The Fir Tree tells the story of Christmas from the perspective of the tree. Khalil's recent plays include Bitterenders and A Museum in Baghdad. The Fir Tree ensemble features Anna Crichlow, Bettrys Jones, Tom Stuart and Richard Katz.

In the New Year, Sean Holmes will direct a new production of Hamlet, created with the Globe Ensemble. The Globe Ensemble will star in shows throughout the winter season, as well as shows in summer 2022. The upcoming Hamlet play will see a country under attack and how manipulation affects daily lives. Hamlet begins previews on 21 January, with a press night on 3 February and performances to 9 April. 

The Merchant of Venice is the final Shakespeare play to open as part of the season, with performances from 18 February, a press night on 2 March and performances to 9 April. Abigail Graham directs The Merchant of Venice, and it's billed as a personal and political interrogation.

All three Shakespeare plays will be available to livestream during their respective runs. 

^{Photo credit: Sam Wanamaker Playhouse (Photo by Johan Persson)}