Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy MACBETH sees actor Lucy Ellinson take on this iconic title role at the Royal Exchange Theatre
Pulling the audience into an unsettling world of power and desire director Christopher Haydon’s contemporary version of Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy MACBETH sees actor Lucy Ellinson take on this iconic title role at the Royal Exchange Theatre this autumn.
In an action-packed production Macbeth battles with her overwhelming ambition. As her thirst for power becomes all-consuming, she dangerously spirals out of control with violent and bloody consequences for all. Lucy Ellinson is reunited with Christopher Haydon and designer Oliver Townsend following their smash-hit one-woman show GROUNDED. She returns to the Exchange following her role in JUBILEE; she is joined on stage by Ony Uhiara as Lady Macbeth who returns following her lead role in ANNA KARENINA. A highly charged political thriller MACBETH explores what happens, when in a split-second, you decide to act upon your darkest ambition? The production runs from 13 September – 19 October in the Theatre.
Director Christopher Haydon was formerly Artistic Director at the Gate Theatre, where his credits include: DIARY OF A MADMAN (also Traverse Theatre), THE IPHIGENIA QUARTET, THE CHRISTIANS (also Traverse Theatre, winner: Fringe First), GROUNDED (Traverse Theatre, Studio Theatre Washington DC, national and international tour; winner: Fringe First, Best Production – Off West End Awards), IMAGE OF AN UNKNOWN YOUNG WOMAN (winner: Best Production, Off West End Awards), THE EDGE OF OUR BODIES, TROJAN WOMEN, PURPLE HEART, THE PROPHET, WITTENBURG. Last year his European premiere production of ON THE EXHALE by Martin Zimmerman won a Fringe First for its run at the Traverse during the Edinburgh Festival. His production of TRYING IT ON by David Edgar toured the UK with China Plate Theatre, including performances at the RSC in Stratford and the Royal Court.
Lucy Ellinson is a stage performer who makes a welcome return to the Royal Exchange. Her theatre credits include TOP GIRLS (National Theatre), KINGDOM COME and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (both RSC), THE RESISTIBLE RISE OF ARTURO UI (Donmar Warehouse), JUBILEE (Manchester Royal Exchange & Lyric Theatre Hammersmith), GROUNDED, THE CHRISTIANS (both The Gate & The Traverse), TROJAN WOMEN, DEAR ELIZABETH, TENET (all at The Gate), WORLD FACTORY (New Wolsey & Young Vic), MONEY THE GAME SHOW (The Bush), OH THE HUMANITY! (AND OTHER GOOD INTENTIONS) (Northern Stage & Soho Theatre) and #TORYCORE (Battersea Arts Centre & tour).
Ony Uhiara returns to the Royal Exchange following her lead role in ANNA KARENINA and in the Bruntwood winning THE ROLLING STONE. Her other theatre credits include ALLIGATORS (Hampstead Theatre) GOD BLESS THE CHILD (The Royal Court), EYE OF A NEEDLE, CANNIBALS (Royal Exchange) and IN THE RED AND BROWN WATER (Young Vic). She played the female lead in Peter Kosminsky’s BAFTA nominated THE STATE on Channel 4.
The MACBETH cast is completed by Daon Broni, Bryony Davies, Rachel Denning, David Hartley, Paul Hickey, Adam Karim, Alexandra Mathie, Nicola May-Taylor, Charlotte Merriam, Ayanda (Yandass) Ndlovu, Theo Ogundipe, Kenneth Omole and Nima Taleghani.
The creative team includes Designer Oli Townsend, Lighting Designer Colin Grenfell , Sound Designer Elena Peña, Choreographer Lucy Hind and Dramaturg Bridget Escolme.
