Introduce your pupils to William Shakespeare’s Hamlet with this adapted play script for KS2 and KS3. Written for children in Years 4–8, the script combines modern English with some of Shakespeare’s original lines, making the story easier to follow while keeping the drama, mystery and suspense of the original play.

With 15 speaking roles and additional parts for up to 25–30 pupils, this resource is ideal for class assemblies, school productions, drama lessons, guided reading and English lessons. It also includes a PDF teacher presentation to introduce the story and its main characters before pupils begin reading or rehearsing.

About the Play

Hamlet tells the story of a young Danish prince whose father, the King of Denmark, has recently died. When his father’s ghost appears and reveals that he was murdered by his own brother, Claudius, Hamlet is determined to discover the truth and seek revenge.

Claudius has now become king and married Hamlet’s mother, Queen Gertrude. As Hamlet struggles with grief, anger and uncertainty, his actions lead to suspicion, betrayal and tragedy. His relationship with Ophelia also suffers, and a series of events eventually leads to a dramatic final confrontation in which Hamlet, Claudius and several other characters lose their lives.

What’s Included

• Adapted Hamlet play script
• 15 speaking roles, with additional parts for up to 25–30 pupils
• A mixture of modern English and Shakespeare’s original language
• PDF teacher presentation introducing the play and its characters
• An accessible retelling suitable for Years 4–8

Perfect For

• KS2 (Years 4, 5 and 6)
• KS3 (Years 7 and 8)
• Shakespeare lessons and English literature
• Class assemblies and school productions
• Drama and performance activities
• Guided reading and group reading
• Speaking and listening activities
• Introducing Shakespeare to younger pupils
• Helping older pupils understand the plot before studying the original text

This adapted version gives pupils the opportunity to explore Shakespeare through reading, acting and performing without becoming overwhelmed by unfamiliar language. It is particularly useful for introducing the characters, storyline and themes of revenge, betrayal, loyalty, grief and family relationships before moving on to a more detailed study of the original play.

Whether you’re planning a school production, class assembly or Shakespeare unit, this ready-to-use script provides an accessible way to introduce Hamlet to your pupils and help them understand one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies.

A complete Shakespeare classroom play script with 15 speaking roles, additional parts for larger groups and a teacher presentation — ideal for bringing Hamlet to life in KS2 and KS3!