★★★★ “One of the clearest, most compelling versions of [Macbeth] I have seen in a long while… [Jude] Christian captures the play’s propulsive action… A familiar text is visibly refreshed by being seen from a feminist angle.” – The Guardian
First Othello, then Macbeth – this September experience a bold new two-hour staging of two of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, both renowned for their epic portrayals of jealousy, power and revenge.
The world premiere of OthelloMacbeth offers a unique retelling in which the voices of some of Shakespeare’s most iconic female characters are brought to the fore. Featuring a company of nine performers who seamlessly move from the first play to the second, including Coronation Street‘s Melissa Johns.
Directed by Jude Christian, who most recently co-directed the sell-out Royal Court production of My Mum’s a Twat with Vicky Featherstone, as well as the 2015 hit Lela & Co, also at the Royal Court. Jude returns to Manchester following her work directing the Royal Exchange and Bush Theatre production of Parliament Square.
This production is designed by Basia Binkowska, the overall winner of the Linbury Prize 2017. The Linbury Prize is the UK’s most prestigious award for Stage Design, providing a unique opportunity for graduating designers to work with some of the UK’s leading theatre, opera and dance companies.
Supported by The Linbury Trust
To find out more about the production and director Jude Christian, check out these links: The Guardian, BBC Radio Four Front Row, British Theatre Guide (podcast), The Stage, and I Love Manchester.
“The fusion of these two plays is inspired… Audacious… The editing and staging highlights the perspective of female characters in a visceral, thought-provoking and very modern way…” – I Love Manchester
★★★★★ “By exposing the dire consequences that arise from the misuse of power in relation to two of Shakespeare’s plays, HOME and Lyric Hammersmith have produced an innovative piece of theatre that deserves the utmost acclaim and remembrance for its sheer creativity and ambition.” – Upstaged Manchester
“It’s an interesting experiment carried off with commitment that works in part… There are large parts of both plays that are quite gripping with some interesting new takes on the plays.” – British Theatre Guide
“As a whole [OthelloMacbeth] is a fascinating concept… The links between the two plays are cleverly done. It really does work, and the sum of the two plays presented in this way makes it something quite special.” – Quiet Man Dave
“The heart of both plays are there… All the cast were truly mesmerising throughout each play and indeed multiple roles played. Spellbinding, clever and captivating, I think even Shakespeare would be proud of this representation and indeed modern mash-up of his work.” – Honorary Manc
“Fear not, Shakespeare purists, the great man’s lines have not been touched but [Jude] Christian does so much with simple stage direction to make this production her own… Something different this way comes.” – Mancunian Matters
“You have outstanding performances of two of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, brought together in a highly thought-provoking manner, which allows you to see each one in a new light.” – Jildy Sauce
“Condenses two great plays into two and a half hours, and plays them pretty straight… Performances are strong throughout… An interesting and enjoyable new take on two well-worn plays.” – The Reviews Hub
“A breathtaking exploration… It may well be that old Will is turning in his grave at this Jude Christian inspired production, but it certainly presents a new way of re-interpreting the presence of women in plays by the Bard… Works incredibly well.” – Stagey Lady
“A brilliant introduction to the Bard to people who have never seen any of his plays… It’s an ensemble piece, an accomplished performance by a talented cast… A mesmerising, thrilling evening in the theatre.” – Tom’s Travels
“OthelloMacbeth certainly evokes lively conversation about the women Shakespeare created… The nine-strong cast do a good job of keeping up momentum with notable performances by Sandy Grierson and Kirsten Foster. The key element is the bleeding through of such influential dramatic creations through both plays and how they still resonate with audiences today.” – Live Art Alive
★★★★★ “The standard of performance was exceptional… The direction and ideas to produce a simply staged but powerful play show the imagination of Director Jude Christian… With the show due to move to the Lyric Hammersmith, I am sure this will be a great success.” – North West End
★★★★ “A hit, a very palpable hit, as Will Shakespeare might say… A classic case of mission accomplished for HOME.” – Stagestruck
“The brutality of Macbeth is starkly revealed as Macbeth embarks on a murderous rampage… Sandy Grierson excels in this role and is one of the best Macbeths I have seen… Caroline Faber was equally brilliant as Lady Macbeth, her portrayal was more powerful than any other I have watched.” – The Play’s The Thing
“This show had a great visceral power and comments beautifully on the connections of Shakespeare’s plays… I highly recommend it, nothing quite prepares you for OthelloMacbeth.” – Mancunion
“Although both plays are quite dark, they are no stranger to well-timed humour and witty banter as the cast so expertly demonstrate with their great, affecting performances.” – Within My Locket
“To put on two of Shakespeare’s productions and whittle them to a greatest hits scene by scene is no mean achievement… This is the kind of production that Shakespeare fans will love because of their love of Shakespeare.” – Caught in the Act
“Christian’s achievement is to re-frame these plays as tragedies for the women at the hands of the men.” – Unrestricted Views
“The events seem to happen all in one day, which creates a sense of urgency on the stage… Clever, beautiful and breath-taking.” – Jess’s Random World
“[Jude] Christian’s conjoined take on Othello and Macbeth [succeeds] in reframing the plays and directing our eyes towards where the tragedy really lies.” – Signifying Nothing – Cultural Outpost
★★★★ “It’s no mean feat taking a complex and well-known play, and boiling it down to the key themes… A triumph.” – Girl on Film
★★★★ “The ensemble move seamlessly from one play to another as the knowledge of what’s happened in one play directly impacts the world of the other… An innovative piece of theatre which turns something old into something new.” – Frankly My Dear