The Cloister hosts classic Shakespeare - Macbeth

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A theatre company with its history rooted in the days of Shakespeare himself, will perform Macbeth in the atmospheric setting of Peterborough Cathedral’s Cloisters on Wednesday 16th June 2021 at 7.30pm.

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, the UK’s leading all-male acting troupe, will perform the bard’s tragedy which will be the first theatrical production to be staged at the cathedral once the latest lockdown restrictions come to an end.

The company, whose alumni include the legendary Elizabethan actor Richard Burbage, are currently in rehearsals for the play. Early preparation for the actors involved using the online platform ‘Zoom’ but the performance itself will be ‘in-person’.

The play focusses on the eponymous character who, overcome by ambition and driven on by his powerful wife, murders the king and sets in motion a terrible sequence of events from which there is no turning back.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to be entertained by watching a play exactly as William Shakespeare himself would’ve seen it performed”, said the company’s Artistic Director Peter Stickney. “After all, it’s in the open-air, acted by an all-male cast and it’s complete with Elizabethan costumes, music and dance”, he added.

The present company, in its 16th year, is involved in a 14-week tour including more than sixty performances and takes place in all weather conditions.

“At a time when we’re emerging from the shadows of Covid, this is a very safe way of inviting the public back to enjoy a theatre experience against the backdrop of our marvellous building”, commented the Cathedral’s Commercial Director, Dave Cramp. “We’re delighted to welcome a company of this calibre to the Cathedral for what we’re certain will be a memorable experience for the audience”.

The performance will be carried out adhering to the latest government safety guidelines relating to Covid. Audience members are being encouraged to stand if able or bring a low-backed deckchair. Please note there is no parking on-site but plentiful nearby city centre car parks.

Tickets are £16 for adults and £10 for children. Booking fees apply. They are available now via https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/tlcm/macbeth/2021-06-16/19:30/t-xkjaey.

Peterborough Cathedral Cloisters will be the venue for other outdoor performances this summer. Check the website for more details www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/events.aspx.