Macbeth_9281 Playhub show images 1200x11402

MACBETH

By William Shakespeare

Booking opens for:
Artists Circle and Gold Patrons on 10 Jun
Silver Patrons on 11 Jun
Bronze Patrons on 12 Jun
Members on 17 Jun
Subscribers on 24 Jun
Public on 25 Jun

Join now

Witchcraft. Temptation. Murder. Macbeth's lust for power makes him blind to its consequences.

  • The Other Place

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    9 Oct - 6 Dec 2025
  • Running time:

    To be confirmed

Synopsis

The Prophecy

Macbeth and Banquo, generals in the service of Queen Duncan of Scotland, are returning victorious from battle when they are hailed by three witches who predict that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland, whereas Banquo's descendants will one day be kings.

Becoming King

The first part of the prophecy is soon fulfilled when Duncan rewards Macbeth's loyal service. Encouraged by this, and playing on her husband's ambition, Lady Macbeth persuades him to murder Duncan while she is a guest at their castle. Malcolm and Donalbain, Duncan's children, flee to England for safety. Macbeth, now king, has Banquo murdered in an attempt to secure his own position, but Banquo's ghost appears to him at a banquet.

A Second Visit

Macbeth visits the witches again. They warn him to beware of Macduff, a noble who has also fled to England, but assure him that he cannot be harmed by any man born of woman. Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff's wife and children.

Test of Loyalty

In England, Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty and they then raise an army to march against Macbeth. However Macbeth, armed with the witches' prophecy, believes that he is invincible.

Stop reading now if you don't want to know how it ends...

As his enemies draw nearer, Macbeth learns that his wife has killed herself. He faces Macduff in combat but when he discovers Macduff was born by Caesarian section (i.e. not 'born of woman'), Macbeth realises his own vulnerability.

Macduff slays Macbeth, Malcolm is crowned Queen of Scotland.

 

Studying Shakespeare? Then you'll love our SHAKESPEARE LEARNING ZONE!
Discover loads of facts, videos and in-depth information about Shakespeare's plays.

Shakespeare Learning  Zone logo

Really get to grips with the stories, settings and characters of Shakespeare's plays. Unlock his language using the same techniques our actors use in rehearsals.