In an uncertain, dystopian future where brutality, extortion and physical might often triumph over reason, compassion and justice, the Warlords, Thanes and self-appointed Kings of long-fallen nations battle for control.

Ellesmere Port-based Chalice Media’s dark and disturbing, diesel-punk inspired adaptation of Macbeth is a frantic, fuelled and wholly engaging contemporary take on one of Shakespeare’s most explosive tragedies.

Swift on the successful heels of their First World War commemorative outdoor adaptation of Peter Whelan’s The Accrington Pals, the Chalice gang are back to present an inspired incarnation of this dark and tragic tale.

“Our Macbeth has a number of adaptations and twists throughout,” said director Laura J Harris. “We’ve really tried to approach the text from a new and different angle, adding to the psychological depth of the play and really placing the emphasis of choices and consequences on the individual characters rather than just chalking it up to the traditional ‘mystical elements’ of the play.

“It’s been a lot of fun developing and we’re very excited for the coming weeks and, in particular, the opening night!

“Our lead man is a younger Macbeth than many will have seen before. This is a deliberate choice and, I believe, adds to the vulnerability of his character. He’s still trying to discover himself when he meets the witches in act one. He is honourable and noble to a fault and dotes on his wife.”

Whilst Macbeth has been away fighting Duncan’s wars, Lady Macbeth has had to put up with the corrupt King and his physical advances towards her. But, the witches’ news brings a sense of hope that such dark days might soon be at an end.

“We have always been extremely privileged to ‘strike gold’ in terms of the level of talent and dedication of all of those involved with our productions and Macbeth is no exception!”

Leads Sean Goss and Charlotte Graves head up an incredible cast in a what is already fast-becoming another sell-out production run for the creative machine that is Chalice Media Limited.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a versatile group of actors joining us on this production run. The youngest of this talented group is Corey Newton, age 10, whose grasp and delivery of Shakespearean language is the envy of most of his fellow cast members; he really is incredible.”

Corey’s Nan - Shelley Newton - is making her second appearance with the Chalice gang following The Accrington Pals, this time as part of the bewitching troublesome trio, headed up by Charlotte Pedley and rounded off with Ann Crowther.

Macbeth will run from Thursday, September 3 to Saturday, September 5 at the Forum Studio Theatre in Chester.

Tickets £9 or £7 concessions can be purchased via The Forum’s website: www.tiptopproductions.co.uk or by calling 01244 341296.

Chalice Media Limited strive to complement and enhance the understanding of and appreciation for live performance through access (for all) to the arts, promoting the understanding of language-within-text and the creative development of local and national theatre.

They are a not-for-profit organisation who believe in the importance of a strong sense of community and strive to promote a sense of civic pride, social inclusion, self-belief and self-worth.