Photo Flash: Meet the Cast of Nice Swan Theatre's MACBETH, Opening Feb 27

In 2011 Nice Swan Theatre Company thrilled audiences and reviewers alike with their 'unique and innovative twist' on Shakespeare's As You Like It. Set in Newcastle's Bigg Market, it certainly defied convention. This February they return to the challenge that is Shakespeare once more but this is a wholly different beast: a classical interpretation of the Bard's shortest yet bloodiest tragedy Macbeth, a play so dark that it is even reputed to be cursed. Meet the cast in the photos below!

The production's traditional approach to the 'Scottish Play' adheres closely to the original text and the intention behind this is two-fold. Firstly to project the play as Shakespeare intended; to engross both audiences that may well have known and loved the piece and newcomers that perhaps are currently studying it. Secondly, the accessibility of the play and its themes are as relevant as ever, with no need of 'update' for modern society. As Lee Rosher, Director, states 'This ensemble retelling of the play aims to transport the audience back to an age where madness rules, men were embroiled in a constant war between their own desires and honour, and women were far more powerful than ever given credit for'. This may well be a description of our own present time. Macbeth is as contemporary and universal as ever.

From the measured nature of Banquo to his re-emergence as bloody- faced ghost, from the apparent throws of a country united in victory to the slaughter of many including the innocent McDuff family, from the metaphysical prophesising of witches to the very real results of this, each character embarks on a journey that twists like any modern soap-opera. None more-so than Macbeth and Lady Macbeth who veer from vaulting ambition to murder, puppet-master to crest-fallen mad-women respectively. Their relationship is one of theatre's most compelling gender power struggles.

The classical design and setting is enhanced by an atmosphere that is as fresh as it is gothic, all the high class and edgy production values that have come to be associated with Nice Swan Theatre Company are in place.

Macbeth is being Produced by Jamie Gray - also Managing Director of Nice Swan Theatre Company and the man behind their most recent productions including the North East premier of HAIR the Musical back in September and The Crucible and A Streetcar Named Desire in February last year. 'I'm so pleased to be bringing another classic to the Newcastle stage this year and I couldn't be more thrilled to be working with Lee and the rest of this very talented, dedicated team. Our productions are always well attended by the North East theatre fans, and this one in-particular is proving very popular with the local schools as it appears throughout the school curriculum'.

Insanity, tragedy, fear, regret, the real, the unreal, sword fights, spectres, guilt, blood, power, terror, human nature at its best and worse. The ingredients for a thrilling night of theatre. As the Second witch so aptly puts it 'By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes.'

Nice Swan Theatre Company's Macbeth shows at the People's Theatre, Newcastle from Wed 27 February - Fri 1 March 2013. Tickets £12.00 adult, £10.00 concession. Special school and group discounts apply.