The Archives: Shakespeare in the Park

Macbeth

2001 at the De Montfort Hall, Leicester

Cast

Weird Sister … Tanya McKenzie

Weird Sister/Lady Macduff … Melisande Cook

Weird Sister/Fleance/Gentlewoman … Elisha Gazdowicz

Bagpiper … Alistaire Adams

                     David Brook

King Duncan of Scotland … Nicholas Smith

Malcolm … Ross MacDonald

Donalbain/Murderer … Richard Morrison

Sergeant/Seyton/Porter … Dez O’Connell

Lennox … James Lavender

Ross … Jeremy Wilkin

Macbeth … Robert J. Williamson

Banquo … Lee Byron-Jones

Lady Macbeth … Claire Marchionne

Macduff … Mark Forester

Old Man/Doctor … Michael Gabe

A particularly memorable performance as it was staged outdoors, with the audience in two large tents either side of the 'stage'. Due to this, there were no spiritual effects, the power of the audience's minds had to create the dagger which Macbeth sees before him that bloody night. There was nothing imaginary about the violence however, which unfolded dramatically before our eyes, of particular note was the finale, the duel between Macbeth and the vengeful Macduff. My sister and I sat on the far edge of the tent, and could see every actor making their exit, ocassionally they would smile (Lady Macbeth even gave us a little wave). After the performance, the actors were available to talk to, director and star Robert J. Williamson was extremely friendly and had several actors sign our program. We also met the Lord Mayor, which was nice.

Performance Photos

Theatre Notes

• Nicholas Smith (Duncan) was best known for playing Mr. Rumbold in Are You Being Served?, and recently the voice of Reverend Hedges in Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Wererabbit.