Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Northern Theatre Studio2
Apr 27-29 2001

Macbeth, a Scottish general, prompted by the dark prophecy of the weird sisters and the ruthless ambitions of his domineering wife, murders King Duncan and seizes the throne, unaware that this is but the first step on the bloody path to his own destruction.

Characters In The Play

Duncan

Terry Fisher

Malcolm

Steve Clappison

Donalbain

Matti Kiviniemi

Macbeth

Ray Rumkee

Banquo

Jonathan Preston

Macduff

Andy Hodgson

Lennox

Sonia May

Ross

Jennie Parry-James

Fleance

Guy Preston

Seward

Sonia May

Young Seward

Jennie Parry-James

Seton

Matti Kiviniemi

Boy

Jack Rumkee

A Captain

Andy Hodgson

A Porter

Jonathan Preston

Murderers

Terry Fisher

a

Jennie Parry-James

a

Matti Kiviniemi

English Doctor

Tanya Platten

Scotch Doctor

Jonathan Preston

Servant

Tanya Platten

Lady Macbeth

Janet Bartle

Lady Macduff

Jenny Stewart

Gentlewoman

Michelle Lloyd

Weird Sisters

Tanya Platten

a

Sonia May

a

Michelle Lloyd

Directed by Ray Rumkee

Mr & Mrs Macbeth at home
We Don't Want To Peak Too Early

Shades of the 'Farndale Ladies Macbeth' as Ray and Andy broke one sword and bent another rehearsing Macbeth and Macduff's swordfight in a rather too energetic manner.

Tanya gives it loads as the first witch "Yet here's a spot" The human condom
Director's Commentary

Macbeth, a story of murder, betrayal and madness with strong supernatural overtones has long been one of my favourite plays so when the time came to choose the plays for our 2000/2001 season, I felt confident that we could handle this dark tale.
When I put the idea forward, I got one of two reactions. The first was "Wow! Really?" and the second was a stunned silence - for about a second followed by the words, "Mmmm. That's ambitious" said in the tone of voice you use when your thirty stone Uncle Alf declares he's going to run in the London Marathon. 
And then, I was overwhelmed with people keen to be involved with our first Shakespearean play. Directing and performing is a bit of a nightmare. You have to remember your own lines and moves and yet keep your eyes on the others to make sure they are coping (and standing in the right place). Raving in pursuit of imaginary daggers or clanging swords with Andy "D'Artagnan" Hodgson, I had a high old time and the cast rose to the challenge to create an artistic and financial success Ray

Quote, Unquote

A fantastic story, wonderful lines. The Saturday matinee performance where the kids from Isaac Newton cheered it to the rafters, Janet going loopy, Ray going loopy, getting to do THAT scene (4.3) with Steve Clapp. Plus, as Macduff, I was able to charge around in a ridiculously macho manner and break a sword during rehearsals! Super Andy
The cast were fab and it looked great but I hated the play and probably always will (sorry Ray) Helen

I usually forget my lines as soon as a performance is over, but that bloody Shakey's dialogue stayed in my head for about 12 months afterwards Steve
Any scene with Andy or Janet in was well worth the price of admission David
Thumped then stabbed Jonathan

Rumkee's 'Macbeth'

Ray ruthlessly edited the Bard and got the running time down to less than two hours. Just as well; for the first time ever we did two gruelling matinees at the weekend for local schools in addition to the regular performances. And who says kids don't pay attention; a few weeks later Steve was taking some photographs at musical youth event and was greeted by cries of "Hey, Malcolm". (Leave those kids alone)

Was I In That One?

A warm welcome for Sonia but an early bath for Michelle and Jennie. Perhaps they'd got wind of Ray's plan to do 'Hamlet' next!

Chameleon Players: The Next Generation

Special guest appearances by Jack Rumkee as Macduff's Son and Guy Preston as Fleance. Jack wants to  direct one next!

The poster