Tom Hiddleston to star in Branagh's Hamlet

Shakespeare’s famous tragedy about a Danish prince set against his uncle will be staged to raise funds for Hiddleston’s former drama school, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

“Kenneth Branagh and I have long talked about working on the play together, and now felt like the right time, at the right place,” Hiddleston said.

Hamlet will run for three weeks in London in September, with RADA students among the crew.

Hiddleston said the money will be used to keep the drama school “open for everyone”.

“I hope the funds raised by the production will help RADA continue to provide a wider field of equal opportunity to train actors, stage managers and technical theatre artists, from every background, to a standard of excellence and professionalism,” he said.

“We need to keep the doors open for everyone.”

Sir Kenneth said the production had been under discussion for a number of years.

“I believe Shakespeare and RADA are very good things. This production celebrates both,” he said.

“The play speaks as loudly as ever to our volatile world and we are proud to have Tom Hiddleston lead an exciting group of actors, as he plays the title role for the first time.”

Tickets will be sold in a random online ballot starting on 1 August, with prices ranging from £15 to £95.

Purchases will be limited to a maximum of two per person and resale will be prohibited.

Hamlet will run at RADA’s 160-seat Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre from 1 to 23 September.