Lady Abi's Shakespeare role

IT is one of the most demanding roles for any actress but Abi Titmuss is looking forward to the challenge when she plays Lady Macbeth at various theatres across Waveney this month.

For the past four years Abi has been working hard to carve out a new career for herself and has appeared in productions all over the country.

The former model is now proud to be an award-winning actress and the opportunity to play Lady Macbeth adds to her growing portfolio of stage roles.

Last Saturday she finished a month-long run in the rugby league comedy Up and Under in Yorkshire and was quickly on the road to Lowestoft to begin rehearsals for her Shakespearian debut.

The 33-year-old is no stranger to this area having starred in The Naked Truth at the Marina Theatre earlier this year, but as she makes her debut at The Cut in Halesworth and Bungay's Fisher Theatre she is keen to make the most of her time in north Suffolk.

“I have never visited the small market towns like Bungay and Halesworth before but taking this production to such small intimate venues gives me a real buzz.

“It is such a nice part of the country and I hope people will take the opportunity to enjoy a real live theatrical experience,” she said.

Abi's appearance in the area begins at the Seagull Theatre in Pakefield, in what is the final production in a superb first season there.

“I suppose it was inevitable that there would be a reaction when news got out that Abi Titmuss was going to appear in a Shakespeare play,” she said.

“But I hope this works in a positive way for the Seagull Theatre and all the volunteers that make it such a wonderful venue,” she said. “I know I am fabulously lucky to have such an opportunity and I am determined to make the most of it,” she said.

Artistic director John Hales said: “Abi has always been a huge fan of the theatre and is really making a stand for the smaller theatres across the country by playing Lady Macbeth.

“I wanted to end the year on a real high and having Abi on board for this production has certainly given us that,” he said.

As well as directing the play, which is a modern dress production and will include filmed backdrops, John is starring in the title role.

“The publicity will be great for us as we rebuild the theatre, but more importantly, we're lucky to have such a dedicated, talented, powerful and classy actress working with us,” said John.

“This production is designed to make Shakespeare exciting and accessible. It's for audiences new to Shakespeare and schools but also for the more experienced theatregoer looking for a fresh take on this extraordinary play,” he said.

Macbeth will be performed at The Seagull from Wednesday, November 18 to Sunday, November 22, and on Monday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 1. Tickets cost �10, or �9 for concessions and are available by telephoning the box office on 01502 589726.

The play will also tour the Fisher Theatre, Bungay, on Tuesday, November 24, box office 01986 895367, and The Cut, Halesworth, on Friday, December 4, box office 0845 6732123.