Are you superstitious? The most famous theatrical superstition is, of course, the one about “The Scottish play”. Do the cast of Lazarus Theatre’s new ensemble production believe in curses?
I started my first of three post-show Q&As I’m chairing for Lazarus Theatre’s new 2020 season of plays at London’s Greenwich Theatre by agreeing on terms of engagement. According to the so-called Scottish curse, saying the word “Macbeth” in a theatre – either in reference to the title of Shakespeare’s 17th-century tragedy or the names of the title character or his wife – except in performance of the script will cause disaster.
But repeatedly saying, the Scottish play, the Scottish King, the Scottish Lord’s wife and so on can really slow down a conversation. Best to check with all involved – I certainly didn’t want to be to blame for any mishaps or misfortunes.
A couple of cast members tentatively raised their hands to admit being superstitious, but Lazarus Theatre artistic director Ricky Dukes, who has adapted, directed and designed the current production, to dispel the myth and lead something of a Macbeth mantra. Unfettered, we tackled other matters relating to Macbeth and Lazarus Theatre’s ensemble approach to this and the classics.
For video clips, tweets and more photos from my Macbeth post-show Q&A, visit TerriPaddock.com
Macbeth continues at Greenwich Theatre until this Saturday 7 March 2020. Lazarus Theatre’s 2020 season continues with Hedda Gabler (25 March-4 April, Q&A on 31 March) and Peter Pan (24 June-11 July, Q&A on 30 June).
Q&A video
Terri Paddock founded WhatsOnStage.com and the WhatsOnStage Awards, running the company and its events from 1996 to 2013. Terri is also the author of two novels, Come Clean and Beware the Dwarfs, and has previously written for the Evening Standard, Independent, The Times and other national publications. She is renowned for her 'legendary' post-show Q&As and also produces the annual Critics' Circle Theatre Awards and acts as a digital, content strategy and event consultant for theatre, producers and other clients. She tweets about theatre at @TerriPaddock.
