English Touring Theatre Announces Macbeth at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

English Touring Theatre have announced full casting for Artistic Director Richard Twyman’s version of Macbeth, which is excitingly reworked for 2025 for a limited run at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. Joining the previously announced Alex Austin (Macbeth) and Lois Chimimba (Lady Macbeth) are Gabriel Akuwudike (Banquo), Bella Aubin (Malcolm), David Colvin (Lennox), Ammar Haj Ahmad (Macduff), Daniel Hawksford (Duncan), Bianca Stephens (Lady Macduff) and Sophie Stone (Ross).

Macbeth opens on 5 March, with previews from 28 February and runs until 29 March 2025.

Artistic Director Richard Twyman and Executive Producer Sophie Scull said today, “We feel very lucky to have been able to put together such an extraordinary team for our reworked Macbeth. It’s a real thrill that audiences in London will have a chance to see this production and the work of the brilliantly talented people involved in it. Audiences can expect a Macbeth that’s surprising, exciting, dangerous and playful. We’d like to thank all of the partners, actors, creatives, artists and freelancers involved in making and realising it for audiences across the UK, internationally, digitally and now in London.”

Rachel O’Riordan, Artistic Director and CEO of Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, added “I am thrilled to be welcoming English Touring Theatre’s production of Macbeth to the Lyric. We are delighted to bring this compelling and thought-provoking production to our stage in West London.”

A nation in turmoil, grappling with internal divisions, sets the stage for the Macbeths’ ambitious pursuit of power. However, their quest for the crown spirals into chaos as dreams morph into nightmares and humanity deteriorates amidst nature’s unrest. As society grapples with its own darkness, a pressing question emerges: how long will it take to break free from the cycle of violence and corruption? Following an extensive national and international tour, Richard Twyman’s contemporary production of Macbeth is set to return in 2025. This reimagined version delves into why this classic tale continues to resonate with audiences’ fears and imaginations.

Gabriel Akuwudike takes on the role of Banquo, bringing experience from productions such as “Hamnet” (RSC) and “King Lear” (Shakespeare’s Globe). His screen credits include roles in “Screw,” “The Doll Factory,” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” Bella Aubin makes her professional stage debut as Malcolm. Alex Austin portrays Macbeth; his theatre work includes performances at Shakespeare’s Globe and Royal Court Theatre. Lois Chimimba plays Lady Macbeth, known for her roles in National Theatre productions like wonder.land.

David Colvin appears as Lennox with notable performances including Thunderstruck at Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Ammar Haj Ahmad plays Macduff; his credits span across Young Vic Theatre’s The Jungle to television appearances like Agatha Raisin. Daniel Hawksford embodies Duncan; he has performed extensively with National Theatre Wales among others.

Bianca Stephens features as Lady Macduff following her role in 2:22 A Ghost Story at Noël Coward Theatre while Sophie Stone takes on Ross after appearing in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (National Theatre).

Richard Twyman has been Artistic Director at ETT since 2016 after serving as Associate Director at Royal Court Theatre where he collaborated internationally on various projects including acclaimed works during his tenure at RSC which earned multiple Olivier Awards.

This upcoming production promises a fresh exploration into why Shakespeare’s tragedy remains relevant today through its powerful storytelling brought alive by an accomplished cast under Twyman’s visionary direction.

ISTINGS                                                                                                                                   MACBETH

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

Main House, Lyric Square, King St, London W6 0QL

Box Office: 020 8741 6850

www.lyric.co.uk/shows/macbeth/

28 February – 29 March 2025

Press Night: Wednesday 5 March at 7pm

BSL Performance:                                          Thursday 13 March 2025, 7.30pm
Audio Described Performance:                  Saturday 15 March 2025, 2.30pm
Open Captioned Performance:                   Tuesday 18 March 2025, 7.30pm
Chilled Environment Performance:           Saturday 22 March 2025, 2.30pm

Age Guidance: 12+

Tickets from £10

Running Time: 150 mins

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