Top talent lined up for Verdi's Macbeth

Southwick Opera has been lucky enough to have found some top talent to fill the key roles of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and Macduff.

The company presents the opera at The Barn Theatre, Southwick, on November 5 and 6, and November 8 and 9, at 7.30pm.

Written when Verdi was in his 30s, Macbeth boasts one of his most beautiful and lyrical scores and remains largely faithful to Shakespeare’s great play.

Christopher Parke and Veronica Brookes play the murderous Macbeths, with Stephen Caira as Macbeth’s nemesis, Macduff.

They bring extensive skills and experience, including principal roles at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Glyndebourne Festival Opera, English National Opera and Scottish Opera.

Stephen Hawkesley and Calum Jones join them as Banquo and Malcolm, and Southwick’s chorus of more than 30 singers adds to the musical and visual feast.

Macbeth and Banquo, leaders of the Scottish army, meet a group of witches, who greet Macbeth as King of Scotland.

They tell Banquo he will be the father of kings. Lady Macbeth reads a letter from Macbeth telling her of the witches’ prophecy, and on his return home, she tells him King Duncan must die.

Macbeth commits the murder, aided by his wife, and when Malcolm, son of the murdered King, flees, Macbeth takes the throne. Assassins hired by Macbeth then murder Banquo but his young son escapes.

Warned by the witches, Macbeth plots to kill Macduff’s wife and children. Macduff joins the Scottish refugees after hearing his family has been murdered and with Malcolm, leads an army against Macbeth.

Haunted by her actions, Lady Macbeth takes her own life. Macduff kills Macbeth and Malcolm is proclaimed King of Scotland.

Sue Gotham, from Southwick Opera, said: “Verdi’s Macbeth is a story of ambition, treachery and murder, and the addition of beautiful arias and dramatic chorus work makes this one of the most exciting and beautiful of all his operas.”

The opera is directed by Helen Hardwick, a new producer for the company, and musical director is Simon Gray.

Tickets are £13 and £15. Visit www.southwickcommunitycentre.org.uk or call the box office on 01273 597094.

Formed in 1965, Southwick Opera performs two shows a year, usually in May and November, from grand opera to musicals.

The company is always looking for new members – not just actors and singers but backstage crew as well.

Visit www.southwickopera.co.uk to find out more about past productions, including picture galleries, and future plans.