CAST ANNOUNCED FOR BRAND NEW PRODUCTION OF MACBETH  

A co-production presented by Hull Truck Theatre, Octagon Theatre Bolton and Derby Theatre

Shakespeare’s classic tale of murder and unchecked ambition arrives at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton this March.

This production marks three successful years of the Octagon Theatre partnering with Hull Truck Theatre and Derby Theatre. The partnership aims to produce and programme artistically ambitious drama, connected to texts studied in schools as part of the curriculum for GCSE students. Macbeth, which is designed for general audiences and schools audiences alike, will be directed by Hull Truck Theatre’s Artistic Director, Mark Babych.

The co-production will open at Hull Truck Theatre from 5 – 28 February, before moving on to Octagon Theatre Bolton from 4 – 28 March and finally Derby Theatre from 1 – 18 April.

Set in a contemporary war zone, this gripping new production promises to be a thrilling new take on Shakespeare’s dark tragedy, exploring one of the greatest plays ever written. With themes of power, ambition and guilt, the story remains universal and timeless.  

Mark Babych, Director of Macbeth and Artistic Director at Hull Truck Theatre , said:
“Macbeth is the latest production of our on-going co-producing partnership with Derby Theatre and Octagon Theatre Bolton to bring larger scale classic titles to our stages that appeal to both schools and general audiences. Previous successful collaborations include Animal Farm (2024), and Of Mice and Men (2025) and I’m delighted to be working with such a gifted company and creative team on this thrilling and absorbing story of the dangers of unchecked ambition.”

In a country ravaged by war and rebellion, a fragile peace has finally broken out across an exhausted and wounded land. Macbeth tells the story of a man, driven by an insatiable desire to succeed, sets out to become King, by any means possible. 

Oliver Alvin-Wilson will play Macbeth. Previously appearing as Will in O(Clerkenwell Films, Channel 4), Tarda in The Lord of The Ring: Rings of Power (Amazon Studios), and Jay in Hollyoaks (Channel 4). Oliver is also exceptionally experienced with performing dramatic roles, and Shakespeare’s many classics including: Troilus And Cressida (Shakespeare’s Globe), Dr Strangelove (Playful Productions / West End), All Of Us (National Theatre) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Young Vic Theatre). 

Jo Mousley will play the ambitious wife of Macbeth, the ruthless Lady Macbeth. Jo has worked extensively in theatre after training at Birmingham School of Speech and Drama and her theatre credits include: Grace Pervades (Theatre Royal Bath, Ralph Fiennes season), Helen (Theatre 503) and Hamlet (Leeds Playhouse). She has also appeared on TV in Polterheist, Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Introducing fate and destiny are the three witches, who will be played by Josie Morley, Livie Dalee and Deb Pugh.

Josie Morley trained at the University of Hull and has performed in award-winning and critically acclaimed productions with companies such as Middle Child Theatre, The Roaring Girls and the John Godber Company. As well as playing one of the witches, Josie will also perform the role of Lady Macduff. 

Livie Dalee is an actor from Hull who as well as playing one of the three witches will also play the role of the younger son of King Ducan: Donalbain. Livie is a recent graduate from RCS (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), Glasgow and a 2024 BAFTA Scholar. She is a recipient of the Norah Cooper Mulligan Award (verse speaking) as well as the Rosalyn Lipsey Prize (best acting by a female in a comedy role) for her performance of Malvolio in Twelfth Night. She has also trained as a member of the National Youth Theatre and is a part of the Godber Theatre Foundation. 

Completing the trio of witches is Deb Pugh. Deb is a freelance theatre maker and movement director, originally trained at École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq and will also be the movement director on this production of Macbeth. 

Representing the traditional path to the throne is the character Banquo, who will be played by Daniel Poyser. Theatre credits include: Husk (Hope Mill Theatre), Macbeth, NineNight, The Crucible (Leeds Playhouse) and The Comedy of Errors, The Odyssey and Much Ado About Nothing (National Theatre) just to name a few! TV Credits include: Brief Encounters, Coronation Street and Doctors. Film Credits include: Waiting For You and Dot Kill. 

Simon Trinder will perform as Macduff. He is an Associate Artist and Text Consultant at Shakespeare's Globe. For Shakespeare’s Globe: as an actor, he performed in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Golden Ass. Film and TV credits include: Call The Midwife, Vera, and the BBC documentary In search of Shakespeare. 

Colin Hurley will play the gentle Duncan, King of Scotland with his son and rightful heir to the throne; Malcom being performed by Cayvan Coates. Colin is known for playing Shakespeare roles including: Othello and Hamlet (The RSC), Richard III and Macbeth (Shakespeare’s Globe) King Lear (The National) and many more. TV and Film credits include: The Bill and Portraits of Dangerous Women. Cayvan trained at RADA and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He played Christopher in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (National Theatre). TV and Film credits include: Too Much (Netflix), Casualty (BBC), Midsummer Murders (ITV), Vera (ITV) Fortitude (Feature Film). 

Completing this talented line-up is Benjamin Wilson. Playing Scottish nobleman and key messenger Ross. Benjamin Wilson is a blind actor, director and audio description consultant. Benjamin previously performed in Of Mice and Men (2024). Other Theatre Credits include: Midsummer Night’s Dream (Royal Shakespeare Company); and Anthony and Cleopatra (Shakespeare's Globe). Through his work as an audio description consultant, Ben has been described as one of British theatre's leading voices on visually impaired access to theatre. 
  
Roddy Gauld, Chief Executive at Octagon Theatre Bolton, said:
"We're delighted to be working with Hull Truck Theatre and Derby Theatre on this new production of one of Shakespeare's most famous works, following on from recent acclaimed co-productions including Of Mice and Men in 2025, and Animal Farm, which was recognised as one The Stage's Top 50 Shows of 2024.

Macbeth remains a powerful and relevant play for our modern times, and we can't wait for audiences across Bolton and the North West to experience this performance, especially the groups of young people who will be joining us."

Sarah Brigham, Artistic Director and CEO at Derby Theatre, said:
"I am incredibly excited that we are continuing to work with Hull Truck Theatre and Octagon Theatre Bolton on this co-production relationship. Last year's production, Of Mice and Men, allowed all three partners to develop a piece of work of substance, which had inclusivity at its heart, with inclusive casting and embedded creative audio description, and I know that Mark has plans to build on this legacy with this production. I'm excited to see the vision Mark will bring to this classic text, and for our audiences to taste the dark heart of this chilling tale of ruthless ambition."

Tickets for Macbeth are available now and can be purchased on the Octagon Theatre Bolton website.  
Recommended age guidance: 13+.