Shakespeare's Macbeth has been given a Celtic twist in a new production by acclaimed Dorset based Arena Theatre, which is coming to Warminster next week.

In a show featuring Gaelic verse and brutal sword fighting amid the sorcery and ruthless ambition, director Gareth Richards brings ancient Scotland to life in one of Shakespeare’s most popular tragedies. Arena’s production is one of just a few from the Southern region to be selected by the Royal Shakespeare Company for their national Open Stages community theatre project.

The Athenaeum plays host to the show on Saturday, March 8, and Mr Richards said: “I’ve wanted to direct a Macbeth set in ancient Celtic times for many years. We have a cast of 22, ranging from actors with professional experience to relative newcomers.”

The RSC’s Open Stages is the UK’s largest community theatre project.

The Athenaeum’s own resident group, the Athenaeum Limelight Players, are also part of Open Stages and will be presenting their own take on Macbeth early next year. In contrast to Arena’s Celtic theme, the Limelight Players will be setting the play in the present day.

Arena’s Open Stages mentor Robin Belfield said: “Open Stages enables a real and exciting partnership between amateur and professional theatre makers, sharing a common passion for performing Shakespeare. We are delighted to be working with Arena Theatre through their process and are very much looking forward to their fantastic ideas and vision being realised on stage.”

To book tickets, call the box office on 01985 213 891 or visit www.theath.org.uk