Something (Totally) Wicked This Way Comes

This year is the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth, and there won't be a more spectacular tribute than Four of Swords Theatre's latest production.

The Exeter-based company will perform a striking new adaptation of Macbeth in Beer Quarry Caves, the first time a theatrical production has been staged at the 2,000 year old site between Sidmouth and Lyme Regis. The quarry is famous for its "Beer Stone" which was used in the building of Exeter Cathedral, St Paul's and Windsor Castle among others.

John Scott of Beer Quarry Caves says: "We're thrilled to have Four of Swords' production of Macbeth here. The company's reputation for staging energetic dramas in unusual surroundings precedes them."

Beer Quarry Caves are man made, first worked by the Romans and closing as a quarry in 1920. The grandeur of the mighty halls, vaulted roofs and massive supporting pillars of stone, and the fact that it boasts a few of its own ghost stories, make it the perfect backdrop for Shakespeare's darkest and most powerful tragedy.

"Although this is not a traditional theatre space it's certainly dramatic," explains Philip Kingslan John, co-director of Four of Swords. "We're inside so it doesn't matter if it's raining, and the caves maintain a constant temperature of 9 degrees. I'm most excited about using the cave walls to project our film sequences, and the
acoustics are amazing."

Multi-media elements of film and live music became part of Four of Swords' repertoire last year, when the company sold out every performance of its Jekyll & Hyde adaptation at Poltimore House, outside Exeter. The acoustics at Beer Quarry are so good that the caves were recently used to host a concert for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, and Australian pop group Cloud Control recorded part of their latest album there.

"We immerse our audiences firmly in the world of the story we are telling," continues Sarah White, Philip's co-director. "That doesn't mean it's interactive, which can be off-putting to some people! It's about being so close to the action that you can see the slightest exchange of looks between characters, or feel them brush past you as they enter the space".

Audience members will be guided through the labyrinth of the caves by The Witches, whose prophecies predict and, just perhaps, steer Macbeth's actions and seal his fate.

This completely immersive production at Beer Quarry Caves is the perfect way to reignite a love of the world's greatest playwright.

Audiences are advised that they will be standing and walking throughout the 1 hour duration of the show. Comfortable footwear and warm clothes are recommended. They will be supplied with hard hats. The company apologises but Macbeth will be too spooky for those under 11.

Performances are at 8pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 5pm and 8pm on Saturday from April 30 - May 10. Tickets are £10, available from
www.four-of-swords.com or The Bike Shed box-office on (01392) 434169.
(N.B. There is a £1 fee to book over the phone.)

Photos by Matt Austin