If you like theatre productions, then MacBeth at Leeds Playhouse is for you.
Something wickedly good is coming to Leeds Playhouse as Macbeth makes its way to the Quarry stage with an enticingly diverse and dynamic cast.
In Director Amy Leach’s and Designer Hayley Grindle’s vibrant, raw and visceral vision of Shakespeare’s thrilling tragedy, ambitious northern warrior Macbeth does whatever it takes to gain power and, ultimately, the throne.
Propelled further into darkness by his wife, whose hands bear witness to her own greed and corruption, Leeds Playhouse’s production of Macbeth is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the dark transformations that occur when ambition turns to obsession and love is expressed by the loss of blood.
Tachia Newall, already well-known to Playhouse audiences from his standout role as Tybalt in Romeo & Juliet in 2017 and from appearances in Waterloo Road, Coronation Street and the recent hit movie Dune, takes on the title role of Macbeth.
Lady Macbeth is played by Doncaster actor Jessica Baglow, who fans of the TV hit Gentleman Jack will recognise as lady’s maid Rachel Hemingway.
The rest of the 11-strong cast are: Adam Bassett, who was Associate Director of the Playhouse’s recent Ramps on the Moon production of Oliver Twist, as Macduff; Charlotte Arrowsmith (As You Like It, The Taming of the Shrew for the RSC) as Lady Macduff and one of the three pivotal Witches; Benjamin Cawley (Dr Who, Shetland) as Ross; Kammy Darweish (Skyfall, Ackley Bridge) as Duncan; Tom Dawze, known to Playhouse audiences for Our Country’s Good in 2018, as Lennox; Karina Jones (Measure for Measure, As You Like It for the RSC) as a Witch; Shahbaaz Khan (ROAD, Northern Stage) as Malcolm; Gabriel Paul, known to Playhouse audiences from Queen of Chapeltown in 2017 (which also featured Benjamin Cawley), as Banquo; and Bradford-born graduate actor Ashleigh Wilder as a Witch.
Auditions also recently took place to cast four young local actors from Leeds Playhouse’s Youth Theatre. Their names will be revealed later this month.
Director Amy Leach, Associate Director at Leeds Playhouse, said: “Macbeth shows what a masterful storyteller Shakespeare was. He created a richly-rendered world with themes that continue to resonate with us today. The corrupting power of fevered ambition, the damage that can occur when love tips over into dangerous obsession – his deeply flawed, ill-fated characters remain darkly fascinating and evocative for modern audiences.
“I can’t wait to share this incredible story performed by this equally incredible cast. Their drive, energy and talent will be nothing less than electrifying.â€
The creative team includes Set & Costume Designer Hayley Grindle, who has created numerous designs for Leeds Playhouse including the incredible sets for Oliver Twist and Hamlet; Associate Director and Audio Description Consultant Ben Wilson; Lighting Designer Chris Davey; Sound Designer & Composer Nicola T Chang; Movement Director Georgina Lamb; Fight Director Claire Llewellyn of Rc-Annie Ltd; Assistant Movement Director Bakani Pick-Up; Assistant Designer (and Leeds Playhouse Resident Designer) Warda Abbasi; Casting Director Lucy Casson; and BSL interpreters Dave Wycherley, Alexia Blohm-Pain, Vicci Ackroyd, Anna Smith, Emma Dawber and Sarah Cox. Cast members Adam Bassett and Charlotte Arrowsmith are also BSL Consultants for the production.
All performances of Macbeth will feature creatively integrated audio description. Additionally, Leeds Playhouse’s Creative Engagement team will be creating and sharing a range of educational resources with schools to engage with young people across the city, including exclusive access to the rehearsal room, cast and creative team.
MACBETH
A Leeds Playhouse production
Quarry Theatre
26 February – 19 March
Press night: Thursday 3 March
Box office: 0113 213 7700
