The Theatre Royal in Margate has been chosen to open a touring production of Hamlet on April 13.

The Grade II theatre, the second oldest working theatre in the country, was picked as the destination for the first leg of Shakespeare’s Globe’s fifth year of regional touring.

Learning of the king his father’s death, Hamlet comes home to find his uncle married to his mother and installed on the Danish throne. At night, the ghost of the old king demands that Hamlet avenge his ‘foul and most unnatural murder’.

Lasting only two-and-a-half hours when touring with an Elizabethan-style stage, a handful of players will perform a raw, thrillingly elemental production of this inexhaustible play.

Dominic Dromgoole, artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe, said: "The Globe was born out of a touring company culture, and that culture remained vital to it while it flourished.

"It was with great pride that we resurrected this tradition in summer 2007 after a 400-year break, and we are delighted to be visiting so many stunning venues again this year, including the Theatre Royal Margate."

Encompassing political intrigue and sexual obsession, philosophical reflection and violent action, tragic depth and wild humour, Hamlet is Shakespeare’s ‘poem unlimited,’ a colossus in the story of the English language and the fullest expression of Shakespeare’s genius.

Hamlet will then embark on a small-scale touring the UK and Europe.

Theatre Royal Margate is supported by Arts Council England and Kent County Council, Thanet District Council, and The Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts. Principle sponsor is Hornby Hobbies Ltd.

For further information, ring the box office on 08451301786, or go to www.theatreroyalmargate.com