Droichead Youth Theatre (DYT) returns this Easter with an electrifying production of Macbeth, taking over Droichead Arts Centre for a unique and powerful adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. This 90-minute version has been carefully refined by the young actors themselves, preserving the essence of Shakespeare’s language while making it accessible, engaging, and deeply relevant for today’s audience.

Why Macbeth, and Why Now?

For many young people, Shakespeare’s plays have become synonymous with school exams rather than thrilling, dynamic storytelling. Too often, students engage with Shakespeare solely as a text to be analysed for essays, rather than a living, breathing piece of theatre.

Christina Matthews, Artistic Director, said, “The cast feel as if the value in Shakespearean drama has been lost due to these stories being used as part of the Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert courses, which is why many people would rather not hear the name ‘Shakespeare’ once they leave school.”

Initially, some DYT members hesitated at the idea of staging a Shakespearean play, but as they delved into Macbeth without the pressure of grades and essays, they uncovered a gripping narrative of ambition, power, and corruption.”

Members of the production had the following to say:

“As young people, we see stories of power struggles unfold in real time—leaders who can never have enough power, whose greed for money leads to the suffering of others,” says the cast. “Macbeth may be set in medieval Scotland, but its themes are as relevant today as ever. This play reminds us that the hunger for power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, are still very much alive.”

“In our everyday lives, we see the daily news of leaders around the world who can never have enough power, and we see their constant greed for money which results in the suffering of others. We feel that it is important to remind everyone how the hunger for power and to be at the highest level of the hierarchy still remains the same since Shakespeare’s time. In this play, we see many characters who are against this corruption and act against it, which is something that young people should be influenced to do today.”

The cast members each bring their own experiences to their roles, making Macbeth an intensely personal and creative journey:

Layne Ledez (King Duncan): “I wasn't really hoping for this character during casting but now that I have him, I absolutely love playing him. Duncan has a very strong personality and holds a lot of power which made me consider things like body language and tone. Pushing myself out of my drama comfort zone to play this role has been an amazing experience. “

Hayley Lyons (Witch 1): “This role is something I’ve never really done before and definitely out of my comfort zone but it’s such an iconic and unique kind of character that you can’t really get from playing any other character. Macbeth in general is such a great play for myself personally, as I am studying it for my Leaving Cert; doing this on stage has really strengthened my enjoyment and given me a kind of confidence in my writings and comprehension of the actual text. As a witch, myself and the other two girls have been given so much creative liberty with how we play the characters and work together to create such a distinctive triad of comedy, mystery and chaos.”

Catherine Moore (Lady Macbeth and Set Production and Props) “This role offers big over-the-top dramatic pieces, some more subtle and nuanced scenes, and an opportunity to explore a huge range of emotions on stage”

Clare Floyd, who plays Lady Macduff/Fleance, said: “I think both Lady Macduff and Fleance are really interesting characters. Playing them both offers me more creativity as an actor as both are so different. One is a teenage boy and the other is this mature high status diva who unlike Fleance has much more responsibilities but Fleance unlike her is caught up in more of the action, he’s always there lurking around the tents and the big names like Macbeth”

Lily Carley (Witch 2): “Theatre can be used as a tool that brings people from all different places and backgrounds together. Joining my youth theatre was the best thing I have done to develop my social skills and understand myself on a deeper level.  It has encouraged me to understand my emotions better and reflect on the stories, history and issues of our society in an interactive and thought- provoking way.”

Jack Finegan (Macduff): “Going to Youth Theatre is the highlight of my week. After a hard week's worth of school, there is no better feeling than going to Droichead and having the craic with the rest of the amazing group. I joined Youth Theatre to creatively fuel myself, and I encourage others to join, as it is a great way to get involved in extra-curricular activities.”

More than just a performance, this production of Macbeth is an opportunity to engage young audiences in Shakespeare’s world in a way that resonates with them. Through drama, young people can step into these characters' shoes, feel the emotions, and understand the motivations in a way that is impossible from simply reading a textbook. The cast and crew hope to challenge perceptions, inviting audiences to see Macbeth not as a school subject but as a thrilling, visceral piece of theatre.

DYT engages young people in all aspects of theatre production from stage to behind the scenes. The young production crew have been hard at work designing sets, crafting props, and bringing the eerie world of Macbeth to life. Production team member, Ali Moore said, “I am new to the youth theatre and I haven’t acted in a while so my role of shadowing actors, also doing a bit for lights and sound, gives me a chance to practice my acting with little pressure, I have also learned a lot about lights/sound/costume which are all useful skills for now and the future”
Audiences can catch Macbeth at Droichead Arts Centre on:

• Saturday, April 19th at 4:00 PM
• Tuesday, April 22nd at 7:00 PM

Tickets are available now:

• €15 Full Price
• €12 Concession
• €5 Under 18s

Book online at Droichead Arts Centre.

Don’t miss the chance to witness Shakespeare brought vividly to life by the next generation of theatre makers. With bold performances, fresh perspectives, and a story that continues to resonate through the ages, this Macbeth is one you won’t want to miss.

Cast & Crew
This production brings together an outstanding ensemble of young performers, each bringing their own perspective and energy to the stage:

Macbeth – Joe Delaney
Lady Macbeth – Catherine Moore
Banquo – Fodhla Brady
Macduff – Jack Finegan
Malcolm – Hazel Clarke
King Duncan – Layne Ledez
Ross – Simon Bowler
Lady Macduff/Fleance – Clare Floyd
Witch 1/Murderer 3 – Hayley Lyons
Witch 2/Murderer 2 – Lily Carley
Witch 3/Murderer 1 – Saoirse McDermott
Lennox – Lorcan O’Neill
Sergeant/Porter – Ciarán O'Donnell 

Director- Christina Matthews
Lighting Designer- Sophie Cassidy
Set Designer- Ciara Murnane
Costume Designer- Gemma Trimble and the cast
Graphic Design and Photographer: Iseult McDonnell (member)
Producer- Annie Hoey
Production Assistant- Ali Moore (member)
Social Media team: Jack Finegan, Ciaran O’Donnell and the cast
Movement coordinator- Gemma Trimble
Stage Combat: Barry Morgan

Produced in partnership with Collette Farrell and The Droichead Arts Centre.