The Hollywood Effect of Hamnet on Stratford and Weobley: A Boost for Tourism
The Hollywood Effect of Hamnet on its filming locations
By Chloe Hughes in the West Midlands and Kate Justice in Herefordshire
The highly anticipated film, Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao and starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, has already generated significant buzz even before its theatrical release. Based on the award-winning novel by Maggie O'Farrell, the film offers a fictional exploration of the lives of William Shakespeare, his wife Agnes (Anne Hathaway), and their family.
The hype surrounding the film's release in the UK on Friday has sparked excitement among filming and historic locations, hoping that the Hollywood effect will boost tourism. While Shakespeare's hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, is the obvious connection to the renowned playwright, much of the historical drama was filmed in the village of Weobley in Herefordshire, approximately 60 miles away.
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Richard Paterson, chief operating officer at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, believes that the film will have a significant impact on the region. He states, "I think it'll be extraordinary for the town, I think the benefits are huge, because albeit we understand that it wasn't filmed in Stratford, it shines a light on Anne Hathaway's cottage."
Paterson highlights the film's ability to reimagine the families, landscapes, and influences of home, which are fundamental to Shakespeare's works. He adds, "If I was a member of the public, why would I not want to go and see where it actually happened?"
Key Locations to Visit
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust owns several key locations related to the playwright, including Anne Hathaway's cottage, Shakespeare's birthplace, his mother's farm, Shakespeare's new place (where he died), and Halls Croft, where his family lived after his death. Paterson emphasizes that visitors can still walk the same streets that Shakespeare and his family once did in Stratford.
'The Hamnet Herefordshire Effect'
In Herefordshire, Nick Mason, county councillor for the Weobley ward, describes the impact of the film as "the sleepy village of Weobley really woke up… it was a little bit of Hollywood in Hereford."
Despite the village undergoing transformations for filming, such as blocking off signage and covering the streets in straw, it still retains some resemblance to the 1596 period depicted in the film. The black and white buildings, dating from the late 15th and early 16th centuries, and the nearby bucolic, Shakespearean landscape, provide an immersive experience for visitors.
Jo Hilditch, chair of Visit Herefordshire, expresses enthusiasm for the film's impact on tourism, stating, "The whole Hollywood effect, the Hamnet Herefordshire effect is going to be really really good for our tourism industry in Herefordshire."
The Hamnet-inspired walking trail, starting in Weobley and ending in Pembridge, offers visitors a chance to explore the areas where the film was shot, across green fields and country lanes. Additionally, an exhibition in the village's library and museum showcases the filming process.
The Impact on Tourism and Local Economy
Both Stratford and Weobley stand to benefit from the increased tourism, with potential uplifts of 10-20%. Nick Mason emphasizes the importance of exposure in keeping Shakespeare's legacy alive, stating, "The town can only expect an uplift, I wouldn't be surprised if it was a 10, 15, 20 per cent uplift."
The increased tourism will also have a positive impact on local businesses, such as pubs, cafes, and restaurants, contributing to the longevity and sustainability of the villages. Mason adds, "Everybody wants a village that has got a pub in it, and a cafe and restaurants… the more tourism, the more likely it is those places will prosper."
As the film continues to generate buzz, both Stratford and Weobley are poised to welcome visitors eager to explore the locations that brought Shakespeare's world to life, offering a unique blend of history, drama, and Hollywood glamour.
