National Theatre x Mink

For this new design, I wanted to pay tribute to a play. It was an easy choice: the first play performed at the NT was Hamlet with Peter O'Toole in 1963, and it's been compulsory for the theatre to perform Shakespeare at least once a year ever since. I'd also just seen The Motive & the Cue at the NT, and a recording of Hamlet with Ian McKellen so it seemed to be everywhere. The pin opens to reveal a quote from Act III Scene I: “To sleep—perchance to dream. Ay, there’s the rub!
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause”

The text on its cover is copied directly from the First Quarto, the first publication of Hamlet in 1603, and I found Shakespeare's will and testament to get the signature below.

As this design has hinges, screen-printing, and magnets (to keep the book shut when you're wearing it), it seemed fitting to also upgrade the usual Box Office card with gold foil for extra pizzazz. It makes for perfect reading material for very short journeys!

Available to buy from the National Theatre's shop on Southbank or online via this link.

• 35mm high
• Gold plated hinged soft enamel pin
• Fitted with two magnets inside
• Screen-printed text
• One gold butterfly clasps
• Embossed with the Mink & NT logos
• Guaranteed good time

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The National Theatre has been significant to me even before I moved to London, when I’d go to NT Live screenings in Cork. Since then I've seen so many talks there that have stayed with me and plays that I've loved (including The Ocean at the End of the Lane, my all-time number one). I had my first production meetings as a freelancer in the cosy foyer and still spend days working in the café when I need to feel motivated.Over the years, some of my posters that were used as playtext covers even found their way into the bookshop ~ but to design something specifically for the shop that addresses the theatre itself is a very proud moment for me!