logo
Outlander's Sam Heughan to play Macbeth in Shakespeare Company debut

Outlander's Sam Heughan to play Macbeth in Shakespeare Company debut

The National03-06-2025
The British theatre company has announced its programme of events for 2025/2026, including a raft of plays that will be staged in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of famous playwright William Shakespeare.
In the RSC's latest version of Macbeth, Scottish actor Heughan, 45, known for playing Highland warrior Jamie Fraser in romance drama Outlander, will star opposite The Day Of The Jackal actress Lia Williams, as Lady Macbeth.
READ MORE: How Edinburgh became a capital truly fit for a king
Heughan said: 'At age 18, standing on the main stage of the Royal Lyceum Edinburgh, playing 'spear-carrier number 2' (essentially a glorified extra) in a production of Macbeth, I could only dream of one day playing the infamous title character.
'It feels full circle to be returning to the stage, after over a decade working primarily in television and film.
'Not only is Macbeth my favourite Shakespeare play: intense, immediate and unsettling, it also happens to be famously Scottish.
'The RSC has always been at the pinnacle of my ambition and I feel deeply honoured and thankful to be working alongside some enormously talented and creative people.
'The Other Place is the perfect space to create an intense, intimate production and, like Lady M, we will be calling upon the spirits of the RSC's highly acclaimed past productions for their blessing.'
David Tennant, Sir Ian McKellen, and Ralph Fiennes are among the actors who have played the famous character who, consumed by greed and power, murders the king to take the Scottish throne for himself.
When will San Heughan take the the stage as MacBeth?
The new production will be shown at The Other Place theatre from October 9 to December 6.
Elsewhere, four of Shakespeare's most famous characters have their stories revisited across two performances, also being staged at The Other Place, from January 2026.
The first performance in All Is But Fantasy explores the story of Lady Macbeth, who is consumed by guilt after plotting to murder King Duncan, and Emilia, a character in tragedy play, Othello.
The second performance looks at the story of Juliet, from tragic romance story Romeo And Juliet, and Richard III, who uses manipulation to become king in the eponymous play.
READ MORE: Edinburgh Fringe programme launches with 3350 shows across 265 venues
Olivier award-winning actor Adrian Lester will play the title role of Cyrano de Bergerac in a new version of Edmond Rostand's play about the novelist and playwright, showing at the Swan Theatre from September 27 to November 15.
Over at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Harry Potter star Alfred Enoch will star as Henry V in a play running from March 14 to April 25 2026.
Other highlights include an 80-minute staging of King Lear and a two-part adaptation of John Galsworthy's novels, The Forsyte Saga, both playing at the Swan Theatre later in the year, with the former also going on tour.
The RSC is also staging plays in the West End and recently announced the UK premiere of Liz Duffy Adams's Born With Teeth, which will play at Wyndham's Theatre, previewing on August 13 with a final performance on November 1.
The production follows rival playwrights Christopher Marlowe, played by Doctor Who's Ncuti Gatwa, and Shakespeare, played by Killing Eve's Edward Bluemel.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

I've splashed £1million to get the world's smallest waist -all my organs moved around because of it but I'm not done yet
I've splashed £1million to get the world's smallest waist -all my organs moved around because of it but I'm not done yet

Scottish Sun

time2 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

I've splashed £1million to get the world's smallest waist -all my organs moved around because of it but I'm not done yet

Aleira wants to beat the record of Cathie Jung, who currently has the world's smallest waist WAIST A SEC I've splashed £1million to get the world's smallest waist -all my organs moved around because of it but I'm not done yet A WOMAN has revealed that she has spent over £1 million trying to get the world's smallest waist. Aleira Avendano, 33 has spent two decades cinching her waist down to just 18 inches, 16 inches smaller than the average British woman's. Advertisement 2 Aleira wants to have the world's skinniest waist Credit: Instagram aleiraoficial_sexy 2 She's spent £1 million on her unique look Credit: Instagram aleiraoficial_sexy The Florida-based yoga instructor has achieved her tiny waist by wearing a corset, and is determined to beat the current record held by 86-year-old Cathie Jung, whose waist is just 15 inches. Aleira's controversial methods have caused her internal organs to "shift and adjust" to new spots. However, despite the dangers, Aleira, who is originally from Venezuela, isn't ready to quit. "I find it challenging when it comes to buying clothes, as nothing fits," she told NeedToKnow. Advertisement "My sizes are unique, and I have naturally wide hips." "I have to have clothes custom-made for me. It's been a major investment – enhancements, treatments and healthy food. "A huge commitment. Honestly, my body should be insured." As well as spending £1 million on her waist whittling mission, Aleira has also spent £471,000 on cosmetic surgeries, including seven boob jobs, four nose jobs and veneers. Advertisement Aleira previously claimed that all woman "should have plastic surgery to be truly beautiful." And despite the health risks, Aleira has encouraged others to try and get a waist like hers. The 45-second trick to get a snatched waist that Love Island star swears by At the start of her waist cinching journey, Aleira wore a corset six hours a day, but she has now ramped this up to 23 hours. Wearing a corset comes with a myriad of issues, such as breathing difficulties, organ compression and muscle atrophy. Advertisement The model has now launched her own brand of shapewear, to help people achieve her "one of a kind look". "My shapewear line will change many lives" she said. What are the dangers of wearing corsets? Wearing corsets, a fashion practice that dates back centuries, can pose significant medical risks despite their aesthetic appeal. One of the primary concerns is the potential for internal organ damage. Corsets, especially when tightly laced, can compress the ribs and exert pressure on internal organs such as the liver, stomach, and intestines. This compression can lead to displacement and deformation of these organs, potentially causing digestive issues, reduced lung capacity, and impaired circulation. Breathing difficulties are another serious risk associated with corset use. The constriction of the rib cage can limit the expansion of the lungs, leading to shallow breathing and decreased oxygen intake. Over time, this can result in respiratory problems and reduced stamina. In extreme cases, prolonged use of tightly laced corsets can lead to conditions like atelectasis, where parts of the lungs collapse due to inadequate ventilation. Additionally, corsets can affect the musculoskeletal system. The constant pressure and altered posture imposed by a corset can weaken core muscles, leading to muscle atrophy and decreased strength. This can result in long-term back pain and poor posture once the corset is removed. There is also a risk of nerve compression, which can lead to numbness, tingling, and in severe cases, nerve damage. While modern corsets are often designed to be less restrictive than their historical counterparts, the potential health risks remain. It is essential for individuals to be aware of these risks and to use corsets sparingly and with caution. Consulting with medical professionals before incorporating corsets into regular wear can help mitigate some of these risks and ensure that any adverse effects are promptly addressed. "It's a gentle product with incredible results, created by me and inspired by the story of my own body." Aleria added: "I don't miss my old figure at all. Advertisement "People react in different ways. "Some follow me, some feel nervous, and others admire me or see my body as something crazy." She added that men "can't get enough" of her "exotic" figure.

Drake concert cancelled due to ‘unforeseen' travel issues
Drake concert cancelled due to ‘unforeseen' travel issues

South Wales Guardian

time2 hours ago

  • South Wales Guardian

Drake concert cancelled due to ‘unforeseen' travel issues

The Canadian musician was due to perform at Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena on Monday July 28, however, has had to reschedule the gig due to 'unforeseen ferry schedule and travel logistics'. The 38-year old, whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham, will instead perform at the venue on August 5. The news was shared in a statement on the Co-Op live website, which said: 'Due to unforeseen ferry schedule and travel logistics, tomorrow's performance in Manchester on July 28th has been rescheduled. 'The good news is that Drake will now perform in Manchester on Tuesday, August 5th, and it's set to be an unforgettable night. 'All tickets remain valid for the new date—we can't wait to see you there!' This comes after Drake released a new song, Which One, on Thursday with British rapper Central Cee. Drake is midway through the UK leg of his Some Special Shows 4 U tour with Partynextdoor, marking his first return to Europe in six years. Earlier this month Drake performed at Wireless Festival in London after signing a multi-million pound deal to top the bill each night of the three nights. The Canadian brought out UK heavyweights Dave, Central Cee and J Hus as surprise guests during one of his performances on the main stage in Finsbury Park. He also performed with Lauryn Hill on one of the three nights. The five-time Grammy-award winning artist will head to mainland Europe in August with concerts scheduled in Amsterdam, Zurich, and Milan and Paris. The artist is best known for his hit songs One Dance, Hold On We're Going Home, and Hotline Bling.

Drake concert cancelled due to ‘unforeseen' travel issues
Drake concert cancelled due to ‘unforeseen' travel issues

Leader Live

time3 hours ago

  • Leader Live

Drake concert cancelled due to ‘unforeseen' travel issues

The Canadian musician was due to perform at Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena on Monday July 28, however, has had to reschedule the gig due to 'unforeseen ferry schedule and travel logistics'. The 38-year old, whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham, will instead perform at the venue on August 5. The news was shared in a statement on the Co-Op live website, which said: 'Due to unforeseen ferry schedule and travel logistics, tomorrow's performance in Manchester on July 28th has been rescheduled. 'The good news is that Drake will now perform in Manchester on Tuesday, August 5th, and it's set to be an unforgettable night. 'All tickets remain valid for the new date—we can't wait to see you there!' This comes after Drake released a new song, Which One, on Thursday with British rapper Central Cee. Drake is midway through the UK leg of his Some Special Shows 4 U tour with Partynextdoor, marking his first return to Europe in six years. Earlier this month Drake performed at Wireless Festival in London after signing a multi-million pound deal to top the bill each night of the three nights. The Canadian brought out UK heavyweights Dave, Central Cee and J Hus as surprise guests during one of his performances on the main stage in Finsbury Park. He also performed with Lauryn Hill on one of the three nights. The five-time Grammy-award winning artist will head to mainland Europe in August with concerts scheduled in Amsterdam, Zurich, and Milan and Paris. The artist is best known for his hit songs One Dance, Hold On We're Going Home, and Hotline Bling.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store