TWELVE months ago, almost to the day, we had cancelled the annual Worcester Repertory Production at the Commandery, a year later we are delighted to have just gone on sale with Elsie and Norm’s Macbeth, which is this year’s live outdoor theatre offering in the glorious gardens at the historic site – I’m already praying for good weather!

The play will run from June 30 to July 11, at 7pm (with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3pm).

Elsie and Norm’s Macbeth, written by John Christopher-Wood tells the story of Elsie and Norm, a middle-aged couple, who have decided to have a bit of a bash at culture by staging their own production of Macbeth.

Not fazed by the large cast, costumes or script – a bit of re-writing sorts that out, a hilarious production unfolds. This play resonates well with the period of time we have all recently spent during Covid, although I suspect not many of us have tackled Macbeth at home, we have all had those moments where we have looked for alternative ways to get us through the lockdown months.

The Rep’s Outdoor theatre at the Commandery is more than just about seeing live outdoor theatre, it is an event, an occasion, an opportunity to meet with friends and family, to share in a love for theatre.

I am always delighted and impressed to see patrons setting up tables (one dressed with a candelabra) with picnics and puddings to simply die for!

It’s a special occasion and I cannot wait to witness this spectacular event occur again this year, after the last 12 months we all need a little light relief in our lives, and we are quite sure Elsie and Norm are going to help us achieve this.

If you are a regular Rep at the Commandery patron or you have never tried it, we would love to see you there, you won’t be disappointed. Tickets from worcesterlive.co.uk