Scottish actor Michael Nardone (BBC One’s The Night Manager and Rellik, HBO’s Rome) is about to play the title role in National Theatre Director Rufus Norris’ touring production of MACBETH, with Kirsty Besterman (Genesis Inc. at Hampstead Theatre, They Drink It in The Congo at the Almeida Theatre, and BBC One’s Father Brown) joining the cast as Lady Macbeth.
Following its sold-out London run, the National Theatre’s epic and visually daring production of Shakespeare’s most intense tragedy embarks on a tour of the UK and Ireland from this autumn, visiting Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in 2019 from 12 – 16 March.
Directed by NT Artistic Director Rufus Norris (Cabaret, London Road) and designed by Rae Smith (War Horse, This House) this new production propels Shakespeare’s classic title into a post-apocalyptic world of anarchy and uncertainty.
Set of Nation Theatre’s Macbeth 
Rufus Norris and the cast of Macbeth 
Aeron James and NT Macbeth mug
The 19-strong touring ensemble is Kirsty Besterman (Lady Macbeth), Joseph Brown(Malcolm), Elizabeth Chan (Witch), Nisa Cole (Fleance), Reuben Johnson (Doctor), Helen Katamba (Murderer), Tom Mannion (Duncan & Siward), Brad Morrison (Murderer), Michael Nardone (Macbeth), Hauk Pattison (Murderer), Evelyn Roberts (Witch & Boy), James Robinson (Lennox), Patrick Robinson(Banquo), Duncan Ross (Ensemble), Rachel Sanders (Ross), Olivia Sweeney (Witch & Gentlewoman), Deka Walmsley (Porter), Ross Waiton (Macduff), and Lisa Zahra (Lady Macduff).
Michael Nardone played Frisky in BBC One’s Emmy Award-winning series The Night Manager. His work on stage includes the Duke of Cornwall in King Lear at the National Theatre directed by Sam Mendes; and the title role in Peribanez at the Young Vic directed by Rufus Norris. On television he has also appeared as Jonas in BBC One’s Rellik; as DCI Whiteside in BBC Scotland’s River City and as Mascius in HBO’s Rome.
I recently got the opportunity to visit the rehearsal rooms for the production and watch part of the production. I also got the chance to interview Michael Nardone (Macbeth) on how he feels about taking on the titular role.
Alongside appearances in Genesis Inc. at Hampstead Theatre, They Drink It in The Congo at the Almeida Theatre, and BBC One’s Father Brown, Kirsty Besterman’s credits include Diana in Tipping the Velvet at the Lyric Hammersmith, and Lady Croom in the UK tour of Arcadia.
Set design by Rae Smith, associate set design by Aaron Marsden, costume design by Moritz Junge, tour lighting design by Paul Pyant, associate tour lighting design by Ed Locke, tour movement direction by Cydney Uffindell-Phillips, music by Orlando Gough and Marc Tritschler, sound design by Paul Arditti, associate sound design by Mike Winship, and fight direction by Kev McCurdy. The associate director is Liz Stevenson.
Macbeth is produced on tour by the NT, creators of War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
MACBETH on tour in partnership with Lloyds Bank Private Banking. Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England’s cross-border touring programme, The Thompson Family Charitable Trust and The Royal National Theatre Foundation.
Tickets for MACBETH from 12 – 16 March are on sale from the Grand Theatre Box Office in person, by calling 01902 42 92 12 or online at grandtheatre.co.uk.
