As reported by Theatrenow back in April, Sean Bean will be playing the title role in Edward Hall's latest Shakespearean venture, Macbeth.

Hall seems to have a penchant for violent Shakespeare at the moment. So far this year he has followed Julius Caesar at the Barbican with a particularly gory (with animal guts being hacked about onstage) compilation of the HenryVI plays, Rose Rage at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket.

Macbeth also has its fair share of murder, and Bean — whose brooding good looks usually go hand in hand with violent roles — is ideal casting as Macbeth. Casting of the crucial role of Lady Macbeth has not been announced yet, though confirmation is expected in the next few weeks.

It is believed that the production will run at the Albery from early Nov. (with a press night on Nov. 14) through early Feb. 2003.

The West End's last major production of Macbeth was at the Queen's Theatre a couple of years ago, when Rufus Sewell played the title role.

—By Paul Webb Theatrenow