Although Hazeldine was rarely cast in starring roles, he became noted as an exceptionally honest and truthful actor who after his inductory season at the Royal Court was regularly seen in new plays, e.g. "The Old Ones" by Arnold Wesker, "The Foursome" by EA Whitehead and "Cato Street" by Peter Gill. In 1981 he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company for a season to appear in productions of "Troilus and Cressida", "Timon of Athens", "Richard III" and Edward Bond's play "The Fool".