Storyhouse executive producer Helen Redcliffe and creative director Suzie Henderson – credit Kat Hannon
Chester’s Storyhouse is preparing for a “visceral new version” of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
“The Scottish play” comes to the stage at the Hunter Street venue from 6th March to 21st March 2026.
The iconic tragedy is being presented in a bold new production, adapted and directed by Jamie Sophia Fletcher with set and lighting design by Andrew Exeter.
The production marks a return of Shakespeare to Storyhouse and it will be the first of a number of adaptations of classics planned under the Storyhouse Originals banner for 2026.
Storyhouse Originals is the theatre’s homegrown production brand.
Previous shows have included Miss Julie, Bluestockings, Sophocles’ Antigone, Faustus: That Damned Woman, The Parent Agency and Kinky Boots.
It also includes Storyhouse’s popular Christmas productions and Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre shows.
“Fate and power collide”
Macbeth will feature a 12-strong cast on the venue’s thrust stage, heightening a sense of dramatic tension and claustrophobia and bringing the action close to the audience.
“This is the Macbeth you know and love; the witches, the prophecy, the blood-soaked ambition – all in a haunting, high-stakes world where fate and power collide,” a spokesperson said.
The production will feature extensive use of video, soundscapes and dramatic lighting to awaken the senses.
Following feedback from school teachers, there will also be teatime public performances to enable as many young people to attend as possible, and three dedicated school performances.
In addition, there will be a programme of educational workshops around the production which will take place on stage and involve actors and creatives.
“I’m really delighted to announce we’re bringing Shakespeare back to the stage at Storyhouse and I can’t wait to see our audiences’ response to this exciting new version,” said Storyhouse creative director Suzie Henderson.
“Jamie has taken Shakespeare’s original text and created a fast-paced, contemporary-feeling adaptation with an emphasis on clarity of storytelling.
“Presenting it in the intimate surroundings of our thrust stage space will also mean viewers are drawn into the action in a direct and thrilling way.”
Storyhouse executive producer Helen Redcliffe added: “We love Shakespeare at Storyhouse and produced it in Grosvenor Park for many years, but we’re really excited to be bringing it back inside to explore the timeless human themes and emotions alongside all the state-of-the-art technology that’s available in our theatre.”
Macbeth
Storyhouse Chester
Friday 6th March 2026 – Saturday 21st March 2026
Tickets from £20
www.storyhouse.com
01244 40 9113
