Theatre unveils hi-tech Bard

Theatre unveils hi-tech Bard

Is this a txt I see b4 me?

Courteous theatregoers are usually expected to switch their mobile phones off - but not at a new outing of Macbeth.

Those attending a digital version of the Shakespeare classic by Norwich theatre group Pirate Utopia are expected to leave their mobiles on so that they can receive messages as part of the show.

The language and the setting are different to the original Macbeth, but the text messages are in Shakespearean English.

This version of the play is set on a North Sea rig run by hackers.

Makb3th

Most of the cast are "virtual" characters and do not appear on stage and techno music is played throughout the performance.

Assistant director "Panda" said: "It's a cracking story; it's got everything you need, really.

"It does update very, very well."

Instead of witches, kings, and Birnam Wood, characters duel with a computer keyboard and a crowbar, producing a shower of sparks.

The theatre group hopes that the high-tech rendition of Shakespeare's classic will interest a new generation of theatregoers.

Pirate Utopia presents "Makb3th" at Norwich Arts Centre on Saturday and will bring the show to Cambridge in April.