Old Bag Theatre Company Presents ELSE AND NORM'S MACBETH

Since its premiere in Walcot Street in October 1977, 'Elsie and Norm's Macbeth' has been, and still is, continually performed all over the world; and a number of famous names have taken the title roles over that time. OLD BAG THEATRE COMPANY are honoured and excited to announce that they are bringing ELSIE AND NORM'S MACBETH back to Bath for a 40th anniversary run at the RONDO THEATRE, LARKHALL from Wednesday 25th to Saturday 28th October 2017, by kind permission, indeed encouragement, of the author.

Norman and Elsie Grimethorpe have decided that life on Laburnum Avenue needs an injection of culture - which they will achieve by staging a production of Macbeth in their living-room. After a spot of judicious re-writing by Norm (previous writing experience - articles in 'Pigeon Breeder's Gazette') to make it, in his words, "snappier, more punchy", Elsie and Norm set out to act "one of the greatest pieces of literature what has ever been wrote in the English language", playing all the characters themselves.

Old Bag co-founder Charlotte Howard is taking the reins to direct this whirlwind of a comedy, and it is the first Old Bags production that Charlotte has directed. "Julie and I created the Old Bags as a platform for other older women to showcase their talents. After three years of supporting some extremely successful Old Bag productions from the background, I was itching to get back in the director's chair. Our production of 'Airswimming' in February was a great success and something we are very proud of, but I thought it was about time the Old Bags turned their hand to something a bit more light-hearted and downright silly. This is when I found out that John Christopher Wood was on the lookout for a theatre company for an anniversary production of Elsie and Norm's' Macbeth. As soon as I read the script I jumped at the chance; it was one of the funniest things I'd read in ages!" said Charlotte. "And as John says, 'If 'Abigail's Party' can celebrate 40 years this year, it seems right to see this other suburban drama of love, death and kilts again, in the town of its birth.'

Charlotte is used to directing large-scale, stylish productions with big casts, so is really looking forward to working with just two people - although it's not going to be easy, "This show is going to be a challenge, the two actors have a massive amount to do and so many lines to learn, but I'm hugely confident. It will be in the safe hands of an amazingly talented pair of actors, Jude Bucklow and Dominic O'Connor. They will be playing the whole cast of Macbeth with just the aid of some homemade props, two stuffed pandas (don't ask), and our wonderful dresser, Liz Hume, who as unsung hero will be extremely busy backstage helping with multiple quick changes". So do come and join Norman and Elsie in their tastefully laid out front room at Number 41 Laburnum Avenue for a proper Cultural Event. And don't forget to wipe your feet.

Tickets are £12/£10 concessions and are available online from Ticket Source https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/EMMMH or by phone 0333 666 3366.

Please note that a theatre restoration levy of £1 per ticket applies to all transactions, whether made in person at our Box Office, by post or by phone, for all payment types. Telephone bookings incur an additional £1.50 booking fee per transaction.

Photo credit: Charlotte Howard

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