Macbeth 1994

Performed in The Chapter House, Lincoln Cathedral

22nd - 26th February 1994

Director: Jo Clark

Assistant Director: Liz Lucas

Percussionist: Tim Plant

Cast

Macbeth, Thane of Glamis, a General: Dave Clayton

Lady Macbeth, his wife: Karen Harrison

Duncan, King of Scotland: Neil Perkins

Malcom, his son: Simon Hollingworth

Banquo, a General: Richard Main

Macduff, thanesman: Simon Clark

Ross, thanesman: Richard Jones

The Weird Sisters: Liz Lucas, Rob Smith and Jo Smith

Hecate / Lady Macduff / Gentlewoman: Jo Clark

The Porter: Colin Brimblecombe

A Doctor: Neil Perkins

A Lord / Captain: Paul Corbett

Fleance, Banquo's son: Russell Grantham

Macbeth - a lord in the service of King Duncan of Scotland is told in a prophecy by three witches that he will become King of Scotland and that Banquo, his friend, will have descendants who will become Kings. He writes to his wife telling her of the prophecy and together they plot to kill the King who is staying at their castle. Following Duncan's murder, at the hands of Macbeth, Duncan's sons flee the country and Macbeth is proclaimed King. Banquo is silenced, killed on Macbeth's orders, but his son, Fleance, escapes. Another Lord, Macduff, flees Scotland and joins Malcom, Duncan's son, discovering that Macbeth had his family murdered. Macbeth relies ever more heavily on the witches' prophesies as his rule becomes one of terror. His wife goes mad with guilt and remorse and dies, whilst Malcom and Macduff, at the head of a great army, invade Scotland and march to meet Macbeth. Buoyed by the witches' prophecy that no man born of woman can kill him, Macbeth fights valiantly in the ensuing battle until he meets Macduff, who tells him that his mother died before he was born (by caesarian) and therefore he is the man destined to kill Macbeth. The play ends with Macbeth beheaded, Malcom proclaimed King and order restored.

"The dress rehearsal of 'Macbeth' was certainly memorable! We (the Witches) were in the hallowed halls of the Cathedral Chapter House waiting for the cue to start in eager anticipation. The drums ceased, and we ran on in a mad frenzy and Liz Lucas (Witch 1) came out with the first line, "Where shall we three meet again". The temptation to say "Down the Adam & Eve for a pint!" was hard to resist and the show went on, despite stifled giggling from the rest of the cast!"

Rob Smith, 'Witch 2'.

"eerie,...atmospheric...chilling...powerful and well acted"

SM, Lincolnshire Echo 1/3/94