Infinite Space Theatre to Present MACBETH at Cockpit Theatre, 10–26 October

A thrilling contemporary setting for Shakespeare's bloody tragedy Macbeth set in the treacherous world of finance and double-dealing in the City of London. Can Dunsinane Hill Ltd stave off a hostile takeover by Birnam Wood?

Macbeth, produced by Infinite Space Theatre, directed by Nick Hastings, will premiere at the Cockpit Theatre, London NW8, for a three-week season from Thursday 10 - Saturday 26 October, 2013.

Since the start of the current recession in 2008, the UK banking sector has come under itense scrutiny from the media, politicians and the public. From bank failures to inflated bonuses, rogue trading and financial mis-selling on a massive scale, scandals in the Square Mile have left many of us wondering what really goes on behind the City's closed doors. Is it just the behaviour of the few which is corrupt? Or has the need to advance one's own position by any means and screw the consequences for others become endemic in modern business culture?

Macbeth's themes of ambition, prophecy and power-lust are as relevant today as they were 400 years ago when Shakespeare wrote the play. Set in the offices of the investment bank Dunsinane Hill Ltd, this production explores what might become the norm if current trends are left unchecked. Dunsinane Hill is facing an imminent hostile takeover by its progressive rivals, Birnam Wood Plc. Even though it has a determined MD, Duncan's backward and autocratic leadership style leave him exposed to disloyalty and mutiny. Macbeth, despite his ambition, is not yet ready for the top job. However, Siward, Birnam Wood's ambitious young female leader, is.

As Macbeth and Lady Macbeth unravel under the consuming force of greed and determination, Hecate and her journalist witches snoop and report on the proceedings. But can they be trusted in an era of phone hacking and press scandals?

Cast: Steven Maddocks (Macbeth), Danielle Stagg (Lady Macbeth), Fran Trewin (Macduff), Ian Grant (Banquo), Elizabeth Kingsman (Fleance), Michael Mayne (Duncan), Thom Petty (Malcolm), Victoria Claringbold (Donalbain), Kathrine Harvey (Ross), Emma Pleass (Lennox), Miranda Colmans (1st Witch), Tim Colmans (2nd Witch/Porter), Rachel Summers (3rd Witch), Esther Eden (Hecate), Ariane Thornton-Mason (Siward) Kayne McCutcheon (Seyton).

Infinite Space Theatre was established in 2012 to produce innovative yet accessible productions of classic texts.

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