Lolita Chakrabarti's newest play, Hamnet, begins performances in Stratford-upon-Avon April 1. The production has already announced a transfer to the West End this September.

Directed by Erica Whyman and starring Madeleine Mantock as Agnes/Anne and Tom Varey as William, the sold out Stratford engagement plays the Swan Theatre April 1 through June 17. Following its sold-out run in Stratford, Hamnet will begin performances at London's Garrick Theatre September 30, for a run through January 6. 

In addition to Mantock and Varey, the company of Hamnet includes Sarah Belcher, Will Brown, Haydn Burke, Ajani Cabey, Faye Campbell, Frankie Hastings, Karl Haynes, Alex Jarrett, Hannah McPake, Elizabeth Rider, Rose Riley, Harmony Rose-Bremner, Obioma Ugoala and Peter Wight.

The work, described as "a love letter to passion, birth, grief, and the magic of nature," is based on Maggie O'Farrell's best selling novel of the same name, which explores the personal life of William Shakespeare and his wife after they suffer the loss of their 11 year old son to the plague.

Chakrabarti—whose Life of Pi is on Broadway now—has gathered a creative team that includes RSC designer Tom Piper, lighting designer Prema Mehta, sound designer Xana, music director Alice Brown, movement director Ayse Tashkiran, original music composer Oğuz Kaplangi, fight director Kate Waters, casting director Amy Ball, and dramaturg Pippa Hill.

The play has already been optioned by Hera Pictures, with a film in development with Neal Street Productions, which was founded by Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris and Caro Newling, and Amblin Partners. Chiara Atik is writing the screenplay.