FROM BLOOD BROTHERS TO BLOODY MACBETH
Three renowned stars of Blood Brothers announced for Macbeth at The Epstein Theatre
Following two critically acclaimed seasons of Shakespeare, the award-winning Daniel Taylor Productions returns to The Epstein Theatre this spring with a production of Macbeth that reunites three stars of the international smash-hit musical Blood Brothers.
Following rave reviews for 2018’s productions of Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Daniel Taylor Productions is back at the Hanover Street venue with the Bard’s most brilliant and bloody tale from Thursday 7 – Saturday 16 March.
Producers are excited to announce Sean Jones and Warwick Evans will play Macbeth and King Duncan respectively, along with Daniel Taylor who will both produce and direct the production.
The three actors have all previously starred together in Willy Russell’s iconic musical Blood Brothers.
Sean Jones having played the role of Mickey for almost two decades in both the West End and touring production; Warwick Evans starred as the Narrator in the original production on the West End as well as Toronto, Sydney and on Broadway; whilst Daniel Taylor has played the role of Sammy on both the West End and touring production.
Sean Jones trained at Clywd Youth Theatre in Mold and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. No stranger to Shakespeare, Sean makes a return to the Scottish play having previously played both Macduff and Banquo in a Japanese national tour.
With theatre in his blood, Warwick Evans was born to theatrical parents Howell Evans and Patricia Kane. He made his stage debut in 1961 with a very brief tag line in a sketch in Bridlington. He has since gone on to establish a successful career on stage and screen, including Miff Ferrie in Daniel Taylor Productions’ The Tommy Cooper Show and three periods of repertory theatre at Leicester’s Haymarket Theatre. His tv credits include Strindberg’s Easter, as brother to Felicity Kendal, for the BBC, and most recently as Jake Toniolini in Sky 1’s Stella.
Daniel Taylor was born and lives in Liverpool and in 2016 he toured the UK, Ireland, Canada and the US in the title role of Lennon: Through A Glass Onion. His acting credits also include the role of Mickey in Alan Bleasdale’s 40th anniversary production of Down the Dock Road (Royal Court, Liverpool), as well as playing the title role in and producing The Tommy Cooper Show.
Set in the aftermath of a ruinous civil war in Scotland, this exciting new production of Macbeth explores the damaging psychological effects of war, betrayal and destructive political ambition by those who seek power for its own sake.
Daniel Taylor said: “Shakespeare’s most brilliant and bloody tale has been delighting audiences for over four hundred years.
“I’m thrilled to be working with such a talented cast and crew, many of whom are long-time stars of that other blockbuster of theatre, Blood Brothers.”
This latest offering from Daniel Taylor Productions will be brought to life with the same passion and brilliance that has made his Shakespeare season a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar.
So, whether thunder, lighting, rain or shine, be sure to brave the elements and get tickets for one of their most exciting shows to date!
What The Critics Say (Reviews from 2018 Shakespeare Productions):
North West End ★★★★
“This was an enjoyable production… with strong performances from cast members. Donovan’s Mancunian apothecary was laugh-out-loud funny; Templeton’s good humour is infectious; Wood’s Mercutio captured all aspects of an entertaining albeit complex character.”
(Romeo and Juliet)
The Chester Blog
“This 2-and-a-half-hour production is an accessible piece of ‘Scouse Shakespeare’ If you haven’t been to the Epstein theatre before give it a go”
(Romeo and Juliet)
Liverpool Sound and Vision ★★★★
“Once more Daniel Taylor brings Shakespeare to a new point of overwhelming enjoyment.”
(A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
Wirral Globe ★★★★
“Here we have the type of fresh adaptation I wish had been on offer when I was at school.”
(A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
Catherine Jones, Arts City Liverpool ★★★★
“Whether you’re a seasoned Shakespeare fan or a first time audience member, this Dream is one you’ll be happy to remember when you wake up in the morning.”
(A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
LISTING INFORMATION
MACBETH
Date: Thu 7 – Sat 16 March
Time: Tue – Sat 7:30pm / Fri 8 Mar, Tue, Wed Thu, Sat Mat 1:30pm
Tickets: From £16
School Group booking – Workshop and ticket £20 (inc. VAT) plus 1 in 15 goes free
School Group Booking – Ticket only £12 + VAT plus 1 in 15 goes free.
Venue Details
The Epstein Theatre
Hanover House
85 Hanover Street
Liverpool
L1 3DZ
To book tickets please call 0844 888 4411* or go online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk * or in person at The Epstein Theatre Box Office from 12pm – 6pm Monday – Saturday.
*Subject to booking fee. All prices include a £1 per ticket venue restoration levy
For more details check out www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk and join our mailing list. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/EpsteinTheatre and twitter @EpsteinTheatre.