Leicester Drama Society are busy preparing for their Easter production, a new staging of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth at The Little Theatre.
A staple of the school syllabus, and one of Shakespeare’s most popular and enduring tragedies, Macbeth is the first of the Bard’s plays to be staged at The Little since 2017’s production of Hamlet.
Ahead of the run we sat down with director Jane Towers to learn more.
What can you tell me about this production of Macbeth?
Our version is set in a No Man’s Land, as I wanted it to be non-specific, and where the action happens could be anywhere. I think the piece is quite timeless. The dress is modern to within about twenty years or so, not period costume as I find that can sometimes be a barrier to the understanding of the play for a younger audience. It also limits how the play is directed because it has to be in the confines of the period.
What was the first piece of theatre that had a big impact on you?
I think anything I’ve seen at the National Theatre has always been breathtaking. Their stages are so enormous that their settings are incredible. As a member of Leicestershire Youth theatre, years ago, we were taken to see Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman at the National, which had huge tenement blocks onstage. I don’t remember much about the actual show, but the vastness of the visuals made quite an impact.
How do you approach bringing your own vision to the piece?
I’ve had this vision for Macbeth in my mind for a long-time, and then the opportunity came along to direct it. I’m lucky at The Little Theatre, as I have a team of lighting, sound, costume, set designers and backstage support. We all input ideas and work as a team to make the magic happen.
I’ve had this vision for Macbeth in my mind for a long-time, and then the opportunity came along to direct it. I’m lucky at The Little Theatre, as I have a team of lighting, sound, costume, set designers and backstage support. We all input ideas and work as a team to make the magic happen.
With the play having been staged so many times and so many different ways, have you delved into any past productions in preparing for the production?
I have loosely based this version of Macbeth on the Patrick Stewart production I saw many years ago. It was set in the 1940s, in a bunker during the war, and the ideas made it very accessible as a story. Also, it was really contemporary and a bit gory.
What do you think the piece says to an audience in 2025?
The themes that run through the play, such as treachery, ambition, friendship, and disappointment are all things that run through the lives of a modern audience.
What challenges have you had to overcome in preparing for the run?
Finding actors to give up their entire Easter and perform over a three-week period is quite difficult. Luckily, most of my cast had a pre-existing love of Shakespeare and were willing to give up their time.
If you could ask Shakespeare any question about the play what would you ask him?
Probably that question that everyone wonders about - or certainly those of us who have played her - did Lady Macbeth have a child? Did it die? Did she leave it with its father, and if so, was she previously married? All the characters have their own backgrounds but there’s never enough dialogue to get a rounded vision of their lives. Maybe that’s why it’s so interesting for an actor; you have enough of a character to start with and you have to flesh out the bones yourself.
Probably that question that everyone wonders about - or certainly those of us who have played her - did Lady Macbeth have a child? Did it die? Did she leave it with its father, and if so, was she previously married? All the characters have their own backgrounds but there’s never enough dialogue to get a rounded vision of their lives. Maybe that’s why it’s so interesting for an actor; you have enough of a character to start with and you have to flesh out the bones yourself.
What gives you inspiration?
I love a bit of Shakespeare, but I feel it often appeals to that snobbery people have about being able to understand it, and that it therefore that makes them a bit more erudite than other people. My job is to direct the actors and edit the script so that it becomes accessible to all. Telling the story for everyone is my inspiration.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing Macbeth?
I would hope they’d think our production was a version of the play they hadn’t seen before, but an enjoyable one. I certainly remember all the Shakespeares that I saw as a student. Being set in a different period brought them to life for me, and made them memorable.
Where and when can audiences see the production?
We’ll be performing at The Little Theatre (Dover Street, Leicester), April 16 to May 3, 2025. Tickets are available via the box office (0116 255 1302) and website: https://thelittletheatre.co.uk/whats-on/macbeth
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