Big Brother Macbeth

Performance Dates

13 February
14 February
15 February
Bath Spa University
2025

Treason Has Nowhere To Hide!

After the electromagnetic pulse, swords and a heathen mysticism return to a newly tribal Britain. In Macbeth’s castle betrayal and bloodshed are unleashed as CCTV watches on unnoticed and unblinking. Nothing here is truly secret, no one is ever fully alone, we witness everything.

Performed live on stage and for camera by a cast of 15, this genuinely radical production brings a unique perspective to one of Shakespeare’s most popular texts. It opens up scenes previously hidden off-stage and encourages us to consider the lives of those who live as innocents in nations at war.

Big Brother Macbeth is an ambitious collaboration between 3rd Year Acting students at Bath Spa University and Stan’s Cafe.

Awesome concept, brilliant performances. The mixed media aspect really opened up the world of the text.
Audience Member

Absolutely phenomenal! Loved the blend of modern and classical dramaturgy. Amazing.
Audience Member

Oustanding characterisation. What a committed cast that clearly work excellently together. You have given a powerful performance.
Audience Member

Directors’ Note

My local corner shop had installed a new CCTV system. A huge plasma screen hung so the guy at the check out could check us out. For those of us in the queue it was a cubist wonder – the whole shop viewed simultaneously from twelve different angles.

Big Brother Macbeth was built on rules that force us to show things that Macbeth only relates. These same rules encourage us to watch on when the text moves elsewhere. It has been fun puzzling out these restrictions and possibilities whilst trying to make the whole thing work. It has been especially fun to take on this task with our wonderful, talented and enthusiastic cast and crew. So, thank you to them for their trust and tenacity. And thank you for coming. We hope that you enjoy the show.

A really intense performance. It drew us in – you could hear a pin drop in the audience.
Audience Member

Wow! I really saw another side to the text tonight! Loved it. So ingenious and compelling.
Audience Member

Credits

Alex Seely – Lennox & Doctor
Amye Sullivan – Lady Macduff, Old Siward & Messenger
Angelina Goosen – Murderer 1, Angus, Young Siward
Annie Skinner – Witch 3 & Porter
Chlöe Moore – Witch 2 & Maid to Lady Macbeth
Demelza Burton – Witch 1 & Attendant
Eva O’Reilly – Ross & Hecate
Harry Pitt – Sargent, Son, Old Man
Izzy Wrighton – Donalbain, Fleance, Caithness & Messenger
Joe Manasse – Macbeth
Joe Peterson – Duncan & Murderer 2
Madeleine-Grace Brown – Lady Macbeth
Nathan Hollis – Malcolm
Rhianna Cromwell – Banquo
Zac Whittaker – Macduff

Direction – Craig Stephens & James Yarker
Assistant Director – Bryony Morgan
Bath Spa Productions Producer – Kerry Irvine
Stan’s Cafe Producer – Dominic Thompson
Assistant Producer – Sam De La Torre
Composer – Michael Valentine West
Production / Stage Manager – Meg Ellison
Content Producer – Louis Green
Voice Coach – Carol Fairlamb
Fight Director – Kiel O’Shae
Fight Assistants – Abigael Williams, Russell Eccleston & Roxanne Applebee
CCTV/Video – Dominic Thompson
Sound Sesigner – Megan Ellis
Sound Supervisor – Jonathan Grant
Sound Operators – Megan Ellis & William Margetts
Costume Designer – Fuchsia Oades
Costume Supervisor – Em Noon
Deputy Stage Manager – Lilly Jack
Lighting Operator – Abby Coombs
Set Designer – Christopher Britton
Scenic Art Assistants – Tom Lane, Ruby Toy, Sasha Frampton
Technical Team – Felix Colbert, Tony Williams
Stan’s Cafe Team – Michelle Smith & Beth Crossley
Production Photographer – Nick Spratling