Experience Shakespeare like never before as Moonhawk Theatre’s unsettling Macbeth comes to Oxford

Zoe Gater

Experience Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy in a bold new way as Moonhawk Theatre brings its immersive, horror-inspired production of Macbeth to Oxford’s Burton Taylor Studio for three performances this July.

Forget everything you think you know about Macbeth. This July, Oxford audiences can experience Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy reimagined as an immersive, experimental theatrical event packed with psychological horror, haunting soundscapes and striking visual storytelling.

Presented by award-winning company Moonhawk Theatre, the bold new production takes over the Oxford Playhouse Burton Taylor Studio for just three performances on 20 and 21 July 2026, promising a fresh take on one of the Bard’s most iconic plays.

Known for creating theatre that is fearless, thought-provoking and impossible to forget, Moonhawk Theatre has built a reputation for pushing creative boundaries. Since launching in 2019, the company has toured original productions across London, Oxfordshire, West Sussex and Scotland, taken two shows to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and earned five-star reviews for its distinctive style.

Now, artistic director Leon Witcomb turns his attention to Shakespeare’s tale of ambition, power and guilt.

Rather than presenting a traditional interpretation, Moonhawk’s Macbeth draws striking parallels with today’s world while exploring the psychological consequences of unchecked ambition.

“The true horror in Macbeth lies in guilt,” says Leon. “We watch someone unable to reconcile his actions, slowly unravelling from within. As the supernatural closes in around him, the horror becomes deeply human.”

The production combines innovative staging with immersive technical design to create an intense theatrical experience. Audiences can expect claustrophobic atmospheres, cinematic sound design, shocking moments and inventive stagecraft that transforms Shakespeare into something thrillingly contemporary.

Joining Leon’s creative team are co-technical director Mike Ward, assistant director and co-scenographer Ella Wernham-Clark, Chris Bedford in the title role and acclaimed stage performer Laura King as Lady Macbeth.

Whether you’re a lifelong Shakespeare fan or simply looking for an unforgettable night at the theatre, Moonhawk’s latest production offers a bold alternative to the traditional classic.

With only three performances scheduled, tickets are expected to be in demand.

Book online at oxfordplayhouse.com/events/moonhawk-macbeth or call the Oxford Playhouse Box Office on 01865 305305.

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