A forthcoming presentation of one of Shakespeare’s most frightening and bloodthirsty plays – Macbeth – is to benefit from the added chill of being set in an ancient medieval church in the city.
The production, by Cambridge-based theatre company, in situ:, will take place inside the Leper Chapel, a building which dates back to the 12th century, and which boasts the accolade of being one of the oldest structures in Cambridge.
The in situ: company is also contributing an additional tautness to the play by casting only two actors – Richard Spaul and Bella Stewart – throughout the entire performance.
Commenting on the uniqueness of the production, Spaul himself said that the in situ: company always strives to present ‘a type of theatre that is more complex, more intimate and more atmospheric than most other theatre-going experiences’.
Describing the Leper Chapel as ‘evocative’, Spaul said the company planned to build on the atmosphere of the production by incorporating in situ:’s now customary use of ‘imaginative… voice and movement’.
The in situ: company has been involved in many similar successful experimental theatrical productions for 11 years; and is firmly recognised as one of Cambridge’s leading exponents of the art.
Its production of Macbeth is due to run between Wednesday 6th July and Saturday 9th July, with performances each night starting at 8pm. Tickets, which are available in advance or at the door, cost £12 each (£10 for concessions).
In keeping with the grisly reputation of ‘the Scottish Play’, the company advises that the production is not suitable for those under 16.
