The TragiComedy of Mac-Beth

Shakespeare’s supernatural tragedy is presented in a Nightmarish new reading by Sebastian Rex, and coming to West Sussex at The Capitol Theatre, Horsham on October 22nd at 7:30pm.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Sep 2013, 17:58 BST

In Rex’s unmissable production, a violence of sleep-deprivation and guilt are brought to life using choreography, physical theatre and an acerbic new voice. The themes of greed and megalomania are showcased in the original Shakespearean language with modern-day additions; as a timeless Macbeth feels the vice-like grip of past sins, and the harrowing consequences of murdering sleep.

Reality and hallucination merge in this astonishing piece of theatre.

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“A writer with a distinct and intriguing vision” – (Jeremy Kingston of The Times)

“Visionary Director” - (Views from the Gods)

“This company is one to watch, definitely” - (The Public Reviews)

Do not expect a traditional telling of Macbeth. This version, stripping the play to five core characters, is set in the minds of an ambitious and sleep-deprived couple. Using some of Shakespeare’s original verse, coupled with Rex’s modern-day style, this production promises to shed new light on The Scottish Play.

Methought I heard a voice cry, “Sleep no more!

Mac-Beth do murder sleep”—the innocent sleep

Rhys Lawton and Avita Jay head up the cast as Mac and Beth; both seasoned professionals on the London theatre circuit, here playing opposite each other for the first time, though they have previously worked together on Rex’s Fulfil me Fully Phil. Stacey Norris, Michael Ajih and Clare Harlow complete the five-strong cast as the childishly manipulative witch figures in the ensemble, and East 15 trained Alice Knapton Assistant Directs.

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Acting Like Mad largely eschews naturalism, creating weird and wonderful worlds which comment on our society. Mac-Beth will be an energetic and intense production accompanied by an entirely original score from James E Anderson.

Sebastian Rex is a three-time OFFIES-nominated Writer/Director; the Artistic Director of Acting Like Mad and Sebastian Rex Dance Group; and Literary Manager at the Space. Sebastian has written numerous plays, including Spare and The Woyzeck (both at New Diorama Theatre, the latter also a UK tour). He was a Best Director finalist at the OFFIES for Spare; nominated for Best Choreographer for his production of The Woyzeck; and nominated for Most Promising New Playwright for Fulfil Me Fully, Phil at the Space. He is currently published by PlayDeadPress. Mac-Beth will be his third published text.

This is the second co-production between Theatrical Niche Ltd and Acting Like Mad, after their critically acclaimed tour “The Woyzeck” during Spring 2013. Theatrical Niche is a Kent touring theatre company, run by producer and professional actress Venetia Twigg. Mac-Beth will be their fifth tour in an ever-growing national venture to bring dynamic world-class theatre out to the regions.

For tickets to the Capitol performance of Mac-Beth, please visit https://tickets.thecapitolhorsham.com/peo/index.asp or call 01403 750220

For further company information please see www.theatricalniche.co.uk and www.actinglikemad.com