Bell Shakespeare’s acclaimed 2023 production of Shakespeare’s most haunting thriller Macbeth returns to tour nationally from this September, playing more than 20 venues across New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria.
Following a bloody battle, Macbeth and his comrade Banquo are met by three Weird Sisters who prophesy Macbeth will one day be king. Driven by an insatiable hunger for power, posterity and certainty, Macbeth and his wife commit a murder and set in motion the unravelling of their sanity.
Directed by Artistic Director Peter Evans, the production is a terrifying portrayal of moral collapse and an intense and compelling journey into the dark heart of humanity. Set in the moody 1920s, post-World War I, this staging reimagines the play’s supernatural elements through a séance-inspired nightmare world.
Starring Anthony Taufa (Coriolanus, Jailbaby) as Macbeth alongside Matilda Ridgway (Coriolanus, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, Bump) as Lady Macbeth, the pair are joined onstage by Rebecca Attanasio, Jeremi Campese, Tony Cogin, Cat Dominguez, Josh Monaghan, Mariska Murphy, Gareth Reeves and James Thomasson.
“Bell Shakespeare exists to make Shakespeare accessible and exciting for every Australian, wherever they live — and there’s no better way to do that than taking a production of this scale on the road,” said Peter Evans, Artistic Director of Bell Shakespeare.
“This tour of Macbeth gives audiences from Wagga Wagga to Cairns, and Margaret River to Hobart, the chance to experience one of the greatest plays ever written, in their own community.”
“This production also reflects Bell Shakespeare’s commitment to fostering creative development, with most of the cast having previously been part of our touring schools ensemble ‘The Players’. It’s rewarding to see that talent grow to the point where they’re now touring in one of our mainstage productions,” said Evans.
Macbeth will commence its tour at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre on 11 September and culminates with a season at Sydney Opera House from 18 November – 6 December 2026. For more information, including performance dates and venues, visit: www.bellshakespeare.com.au for details.
Image: Anthony Taufa to star as Macbeth – photo by Pierre Toussaint