Chichester Festival Theatre
21 Sep- 26 Oct

Present fears
Are less than horrible imaginings

John Simm and Dervla Kirwan head the cast of Macbeth at Chichester Festival Theatre

Book Tickets for Macbeth (Priority booking from 24 Feb, General booking from 2 March)

Much celebrated for his forthright bravery, Macbeth is a state hero. After the bloody defeat of a rebel army, he encounters a trio of strangers who predict that one day he will be King. Having delivered their ambiguous message, they vanish, leaving a mind cracked open.

Fearing that her husband lacks the vital drive to take charge of his fate, Lady Macbeth invokes her stronger nature to fulfil their destiny. The plan she hatches will trigger an uncontrollable train of events, hurtling two corrupted souls to the heart of darkness.

This contemporary production of Shakespeare’s great tragedy shows ambition falling headlong into tyranny and chaos. As appearances increasingly deceive, the nature of reality itself comes into question.

Paul Miller is Artistic Director of the Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond. He was previously Associate Director at Sheffield Theatres, where his productions included John Simm’s Hamlet.

John Simm makes his Chichester debut in the title role. Among his extensive screen and stage work, recent credits include Strangers, Collateral and Doctor Who on television, and Pinter at the Pinter: Six (West End).

Dervla Kirwan’s stage work includes Goneril in King Lear (2017), Frankie and Johnny (2014) and Uncle Vanya (2012) at Chichester and, most recently, Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train (Young Vic). She also appeared in Strangers (aka White Dragon) alongside John Simm.

Book tickets for Macbeth (Priority booking from 24 Feb, General booking from 2 March)

John Simm and Dervla Kirwan head the cast of #Shakespeare’s great tragedy of ruinous ambition, #Macbeth. Chichester-born @pmiller67 directs a contemporary production on the Festival Theatre stage. #Festival2019 pic.twitter.com/TkdPgV0h68

— Chichester Theatre (@ChichesterFT) February 14, 2019