Guild Festival Theatre is proud to present the world premiere of Genevieve Adam's Heratio - a bold re-imagining of Hamlet that picks up the story where Shakespeare left off. Through a delightful blend of humour, mystery and melancholy, Heratio gives the stage to the women and servants who are left to clean up the messes created by the intrigues of princes and kings.

I have always loved the character of Horatio - the unassuming observer who is left to tell the extraordinary story. So when Genevieve pitched a script that reimagined Hamlet from Horatio's point of view, I was excited to see what would come of it. I am delighted with the result. This play is sharp and funny, blending a contemporary sensibility with a deep love of Shakespeare and is infused with Genevieve's own audacious style. I can't wait for audiences to experience it for the first time. - Helen Juvonen, Director

The Play:

What if nothing you thought you knew about Shakespeare’s Hamlet was true?

Heratio wittily reframes the story we think we know, with the upstairs/downstairs energy of Downton Abbey.

For the world premiere of Heratio, we welcome Janelle Hanna (Miss Caledonia, Thousand Islands Playhouse; Prairie Nurse, Factory Theatre) playing the title character, as well as Philippa Domville fresh from her success in The Master Plan (Crow's Theatre/Soulpepper), Jack Davidson (Canadian Opera Company; Bad Hats Theatre), and Siobhan Richardson (The 39 Steps, St Lawrence Shakespeare Festival; The Penelopiad, Grand Theatre) making their Guild Festival Theatre debuts. Returning to the roles they played in GFT's In Conversation With Classics workshop are Rashaana Cumberbatch (Shoresy, Murdoch Mysteries) and Phoenix Fire (Magnus Theatre; Crossroads Theatre).

Heratio was developed through In Conversation With Classics, Guild Festival Theatre's program for new plays.

Heratio

Written by Genevieve Adam

Directed by Helen Juvonen

Production Design by Nancy Anne Perrin

Sound Design by Sean Meldrum

Lighting Design by Adam Walters

FEATURING:

Jack Davidson

Janelle Hanna

Phoenix Fire

Philippa Domville

Rashaana Cumberbatch

Siobhan Richardson

Performance Venue:

The Greek Theatre, Guild Park & Gardens

201 Guildwood Parkway

Scarborough, Ontario

Show Details:

Performance Schedule:

August 7-24

Preview: August 7 Opening: August 8

Tickets:

$16.25-$32.50

For more information, visit www.guildfestivaltheatre.ca

Guild Festival Theatre 2025 Season:

Aqua's Red Rhythm & Blues: July 3

Family Fest: July 10-13

The 39 Steps: July 17-August 3

Heratio: August 7-24