On May 24 and 25 the infamous Scottish play came to the heart of Wales, in a
production of Macbeth (ssshhhhhh!) by the Living Willow Community Company at
their home base, The Living Willow Theatre near Llanwrthwl. The 20-strong
local cast bravely tackled one of Shakespeare’s most powerful tragedies in an
intensive three week rehearsal period, rooting the production in the landscape
and dusting it with Celtic mysticism.
Directors Sue Best and Philip Bowen said, “We’re so proud that the production
could be part of Gwanwyn 2008 – this festival celebrates creativity in older age
and cast members spanned the ages of eight to 80. We had a brilliant musical
director, Benjie Talbot, who was one of the babies at 20, but the lead role was
given a scorching interpretation by Stan Turner who has been retired for some
years.”
A truly magical production, the Saturday night performance took place against
the mystical backdrop of willow walls, when thrilled members of the audience
reported feeling cold shivers before the show even started! Due to wet
weather, the Sunday night show was mounted in the barn where the intimate
environment gave the play an incredible intensity and immediacy. This was
community theatre at its best, giving the professionals a real run for their
money!
If you didn’t manage to get there this weekend, don’t worry because Macbeth
will play again on July 4 at The Living Willow Theatre and July 19 at the
Serendipity Festival in Knighton.
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Theatre Set-Up present an action-packed romantic comedy, written in the magical Celtic tradition.More...
A fabulous weekend of sonnet-themed performances, workshops and lectures.More...
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Quantum Theatre captures young and old alike with Alice's adventures through the looking glass.More...
Young Celtic fusion band One String Loose opens the official 2008 season.More...
Alice Firefly and partner treat the audience to stilt-walking and fiery feats for a blazing Beltane bash.More...
The Living Willow Community Company triumphs in that Scottish play!More...
Theatre Set-up makes a welcome return to end well in All's Well!More...
AJ Roach makes a triumphant return with his Strange Pilgrims. More...