Could there be a more perfect setting for Macbeth than Oxford Castle & Prison? Wild Goose Theatre think not, knowing that the severity of the architecture and its imposing history will perfectly match Shakespeare‘s tragic Scottish Play.
So get ready for a bloody and brutal Macbeth where paranoia, guilt, betrayal, ghosts, witches and murder reign supreme in this historic space, famous for its dark history.
‘The castle and prison have a history of captivity, judgement and true life crime’
“The castle and prison have a history of captivity, judgement and true life crime, while Macbeth is all about the crimes, secrets, and brutality of its characters, so the buildings mirror that perfectly,” producer Alex Nicholls explains. “It really lends itself to Macbeth and has great acoustics.
“We think the stone walls will trap the energy of the play in a really visceral way and immerse the audience in it.”
Set in the 1940s when the army returns from WW2, Alex is keen to reflect that Macbeth kills for a living. “Macbeth boasts of gutting someone from navel to chin, so he is already a trained murderer.
‘Macbeth boasts of gutting someone from navel to chin, so he is already a trained murderer’
“By introducing a welcome home scene – a celebration for King Duncan at Macbeth’s Castle – we will not only set the scene but lull everyone into a false sense of security, which helps create a contrast with what happens a few hours later, when Macbeth murders him.”
From thunderous battle scenes to moments of chilling horror, Macbeth at Oxford Castle Prison promises an unforgettable theatrical experience: “We are proud of our fast paced and punchy production,” Alex says. “We want to make it entertaining while telling the story, but also give the famous speeches and soliloquies their dues. But there is also a lot of blood.
“And as Macbeth is probably the most famous Shakespeare play, and definitely one of his greatest, we have been working hard since March to fill those shoes. We want to place the audiences at the heart of the action.”
You can also expect some Wild Goose twists, Banquo’s ghost making a gripping appearance, while the witches will be placed all around the venue performing magic.
‘when Macbeth kills a king in cold blood, the consequences are evident’
But what Ashley has also delved into, is the play’s origins: ” James I, the Scottish king, was Shakespeare’s new patron, and had a fascination with witchcraft. He was terrified of it,” Ashley explains. “So Shakespeare wrote Macbeth to please him, to engage the new king by writing a play about the consequences of regicide.”
“Because when Macbeth kills a king in cold blood, the consequences are evident – it’s a case of look what happens when you murder a king, and we have really tried to immerse the audience in that.”
Macbeth was also the first production Wild Goose ever did back in 2005 and has been a favourite ever since, so the local theatre group know what they’re doing!
“Most people have seen a great production of Macbeth and come to see it with an expectation, so there is a pressure, but we have done a lot of Shakespeare over the years and we are very much looking forward to bringing our new Macbeth in front of Oxford audiences.”
‘people enjoy revisiting macbeth and always find something new’
With wet weather covered at New Road Baptist Church, a rotating cast of 20 aged 18-80, and lots of tricks up their sleeves, it already looks like a Wild Goose style night to remember.
“With Macbeth the language is so rich that people enjoy revisiting it and always find something new,” Alex promises.
Macbeth at Oxford Castle & Prison runs from July 6-August 1. Book here https://www.oxfordcastleprison.co.uk/whats-on/wild-goose-theatre-presents-macbeth-at-oxford-castle-prison/
