Introducing the Hamlet Cast of 2025
- NPC Team
- Aug 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 6
We are thrilled to reveal the phenomenal cast bringing our dark and daring 1400s-set Hamlet to life. Each performer brings their own unique craft, passion, and artistry to this production, and we cannot wait for you to meet them.
Hamlet - Christopher Commander
Christopher has trained with the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Shakespeare’s Globe, making him no stranger to the weight of Shakespeare’s words. His credits span from Henry V and Romeo and Juliet to All My Sons and The Vortex, for which he won “Most Outstanding Male Performance.” With experience touring nationally in productions like A Christmas Carol and Bard in the Yard, Christopher brings both depth and power to the role of Hamlet.
Claudius - Simon Wilshire
Simon makes his sixth venture into Shakespeare with the role of Claudius, having previously appeared as Abram in Romeo and Juliet (Venture Wolf Productions), Cornelius in Cymbeline (Venture Wolf Productions), Shylock and Antonio in The Merchant of Venice (Oxford Shakespeare Company), Macduff in Macbeth (Oxford Shakespeare Festival), and Brabantio in Othello (Evergreen Theatre Collective). Now stepping into the scheming, silver-tongued role of Claudius, Simon promises to deliver a performance brimming with both authority and danger. He is represented by Evolution Talent.
Gertrude – Nicola Foxfield
Nicky’s love for Shakespeare began at the age of eight when she gathered her toys to act out Romeo and Juliet. Since then, she has toured extensively with the acclaimed Illyria Theatre and produced work in London with Green Girl Productions. Her roles range from Rosalind (As You Like It) to Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing), as well as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. Nicky now brings her heartfelt connection to Shakespeare’s text to the role of Gertrude, balancing maternal tenderness with royal command.
Ophelia – Amy-Beth Shah
A graduate of East 15 Acting School in Acting and Stage Combat, Amy-Beth has already built a diverse career, from puppetry musicals to jousting arena shows. Recently, they played Elizabeth of York in War of the Roses at Warwick Castle, blending their combat skills with theatrical storytelling. As both performer and fight director for Hamlet, Amy-Beth will bring Ophelia to the stage with both delicacy and strength.
Polonius / Gravedigger – Jez Malpas
Jez works as a full time Actor, Writer and Presenter. Along with many film credits and professional stage work (Macbeth in Macbeth, Mozart in Amadeus, Max in The Producers, Yvan in Art) he regularly presents both live and online for a list of blue-chip corporate clients. Most recently he has written and performed a very successful one-man show at the Edinburgh Fringe, awarded with a Best Comedy Newcomer nomination. Having received high praise for his previous Shakespeare roles, (“Speeches were delivered with such power.”, “A riveting and simply stunning performance.”) Jez is delighted to bring the magnificent work of the Bard to the stage, once again.
Ghost / Player King – Richard Howell
Richard studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and boasts over 30 years of performance experience, from physical theatre and Grand Guignol horror to Shakespearean classics. He has toured the UK and the US with powerful, thought-provoking productions, and has also worked extensively as a lecturer in acting. Now, in his first directorial role with NPC while also performing as the Ghost and Player King, Richard’s presence promises to haunt the stage in more ways than one.
Horatio – Joshua Chandos
Trained at East 15 Acting School, Josh has played everything from Friar Lawrence (Romeo + Juliet) to Oberon (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). He won Best Supporting Actor at the New Jersey Film Awards for his film work, and recently performed with Tread The Boards Theatre Company in Twelfth Night, The Three Musketeers, and Treasure Island. As a writer, his plays have earned glowing reviews at Camden Fringe and 53two. This production marks his NPC debut, and he is eager to bring Hamlet’s loyal confidant Horatio to life.
Bernardo / Rosencrantz – Martha Allen-Smith
Martha trained in Drama and Theatre Arts at the University of Birmingham and has been active across the West Midlands in theatre, music, and writing. After years of enchanting audiences as part of Warwick Castle’s cast, she recently embarked on a comedy musical tour across Birmingham and Stafford. Returning now to classical theatre with her first NPC production, Martha brings her bold energy and range to the roles of Bernardo and Rosencrantz.
Marcellus / Guildenstern – Amelia Burrows
Amelia Burrows takes on the roles of Marcellus and Guildenstern. With a background in character-driven ensemble work, Amelia’s stage presence is marked by both subtle detail and dynamic energy. Whether grounding the action as a loyal guard or sparring with wit as one of Hamlet’s old schoolfellows, she is sure to leave a lasting impression in this dual role.
Laertes – Jonathan Youl
Since graduating from ALRA North in 2017, Jonathan has become a familiar face with NPC. From Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet to Banquo in Macbeth, and even stepping into the lead role of Macbeth himself in 2023, his performances have been consistently praised for their fire and conviction. He now takes on the passionate, impulsive Laertes—a role that will showcase his intensity and emotional range in one of Shakespeare’s most gripping rivalries.
Uniting such talent and passion, this cast will bring to life a Hamlet that is both unflinching and deeply human. A production that lingers long after the curtain falls.