Nearly Lear

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’ had its first Edinburgh Festival Fringe performances last year, receiving an outpouring of praise and delight from reviewers and audience alike.

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, premiered at the 2022 Fringe, winning a Carol Tambor Incentive Award and was praised as ‘a stand-out production’ and ‘a love-letter to theatre itself.’

★★★★★ “A magical, operatic, world-class theatrical experience” – Edinburgh Guide
★★★★ “The acting [is] a masterclass…Hamnett enraptures with her remarkable delivery” – Everything Theatre
“A mighty theatrical force… More wit, mischief and sheer playfulness than you can legally pack into 80 minutes of live theatre!” – Aberdeen Press & Journal
“Susanna Hamnett tackles each character with passion and precision, lighting up the stage and engaging the audience from the opening scene…Hamnett tells a superb story.” – THE EDGE, LA.
“Intense, energetic, inventive, and deeply moving” – Fringe Review – OUTSTANDING SHOW
“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.
“Frisky, funny, and tantalizing… A virtuosic performer with a touch of the endearing goofball” – New York Times

Nearly Lear
Written by Susanna Hamnett and Edith Tankus
Performed by Susanna Hamnett
Directed by Edith Tankus
Additional direction by Steve MacGregor

Duration: Approximately 80 minutes straight through.
After a brief interval Susanna Hamnett has kindly agreed to join us in the bar for a short Q&A.
Recommended age : 12+