A brand new production of Shakespeare's Macbeth will be staged by Storyhouse next year.

Shakespeare's tragedy will be presented in a bold new production, bringing the original text to life with power, pace and atmosphere at the Chester theatre.

The play is adapted and directed by Jamie Sophia Fletcher, with set and lighting design by Andrew Exeter.

Featuring a 12-strong cast, the production marks Shakespeare's return to Storyhouse. It will also be the first of a number of classic adaptations planned under the Storyhouse Originals banner for 2026.

This will also see a return to the venue's thrust staging, heightening a sense of dramatic tension and claustrophobia and bringing the action thrillingly close to the audience.

The production will also feature extensive use of video, soundscapes and dramatic lighting.

"I'm really delighted to announce we're bringing Shakespeare back to the stage at Storyhouse and I can't wait to see our audiences' response to this exciting new version," said Storyhouse creative director, Suzie Henderson.

"Jamie has taken Shakespeare's original text and created a fast-paced, contemporary-feeling adaptation with an emphasis on clarity of storytelling.

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"Presenting it in the intimate surroundings of our thrust stage space will also mean viewers are drawn into the action in a direct and thrilling way."

"We're really excited to be bringing it back inside, to explore the timeless human themes and emotions alongside all the state-of-the-art technology that's available in our theatre."

Macbeth comes to the Hunter Street stage from Friday 6 March to Saturday 21 March 2026, with tickets now on sale from £20.

A third schools-only date has already been added, after two scheduled schools' performances sold out within days of being announced.

Following feedback from teachers, there will also be two teatime public performances to enable as many young people to attend as possible.

In addition, there will be a programme of educational workshops around the production which will take place on stage and involve actors and creatives. 

Storyhouse Originals is the Chester venue's strand of vibrant and imaginative homegrown productions.