Storyhouse, in Chester, England, is staging MacBeth from 11 to 22 March 2026.
Director Jamie Sophia Fletcher has created a stark, shrapnel-sharp, surreal evening in the theatre, with moments of very dark humour.
It takes and twists Macbeth, while still delivering the ironic desperation and ultimate desolation of this most tragic of Shakespeare's tragedies.
As a Storyhouse Original Production, the fine cast is layered with 'you would never know' performances from trainee actors that, in itself, pays tribute to the underlying ethos of this community arts and culture centre.
These are led by an intense and memorable performance from Robin Morrissey, as MacBeth, that expands, contracts and ultimately explodes as a future of his own making unfolds before him.
There is also genuine chemistry between Morrissey and the excellent Yolanda Ovide that is so necessary to understand why MacBeth would do what he did.
A shout out must also go to Kaitlin Howard for the fight scenes which, within the intimate staging of the production, allow us to appreciate their great emotional as well as the physical impact.
Finally, for this production of Macbeth, Storyhouse has teamed up with Hear The Picture, who have developed a new, innovative style of audio description.
This provides a clear yet unobtrusive written narration for visual and non-spoken elements of the performance, including actions, scenery, and character interactions – in clear, engaging language, enhancing the performance for blind and visually impaired audiences.
It also slots seamlessly within the fluorescent and 'video age' staging of this MacBeth.
Ann, who prefers her Shakespeare in a traditional setting, was gripped from start to finish, as were the rest of us.
(Images : Mark Senior)
The Tragedy of Macbeth
The Tragedy of Macbeth, usually shortened to Macbeth is thought to have been first performed in 1606.
It tells the physically violent and damaging psychological effects of political ambitions and power. It was first published in the Folio of 1623.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, my go to for anything Bard, explains that three witches tell the Scottish general Macbeth that he will be King of Scotland.
Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth kills the incumbent monarch, becomes the new king and then kills more people out of paranoia.
Civil war erupts to overthrow Macbeth, resulting in more death.
For a fuller synopsis : https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespedia/shakespeares-plays/macbeth/
Storyhouse
Storyhouse is a major community arts culture centre and creative social space in Chester, England.
The restored and revitalised Odeon building houses an 800-seat auditorium, a 150-seat studio theatre, restaurant and two bars along with a 100-seat boutique, independent cinema.
Storyhouse runs a series of festivals as well as the Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre and Moonlight Flicks.
During the autumn and spring, Storyhouse stages productions from UK and international touring companies that embrace dance, opera, drama, comedy and music.
In the summer and at Christmas-time, the theatre transforms into a 500 seat thrust stage, to present Storyhouse home produced shows.
The Storyhouse independent cinema, shows new independent and international releases along with blockbusters, cult classics, restorations, family favourites and documentaries.
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