‘Macbeth’: Live at The Barn

The latest OVO theatre production takes place in the partially-refurbished barn in Verulamium Park and the official launch event brings new life to both the 17th century structure and Shakespeare’s magnificent ‘Macbeth’.

From the opening of this production in the round, the three witches - "weird sisters" - are with us, at times participating and often observing with the audience the combination of mysticism, witchcraft and fate that drives the characters. These three remarkable actors (Maisie Armah, Grace Bassett and Flora Squires, above) first appear from beneath the central, circular stage, bringing the first hints of this very physical, sexually-charged production.

As the play progresses through murder, intrigue and more murder, the final scenes leave young, menacing men in charge, brought to this moment by all that they have observed and experienced in the machinations of Macbeth (Ludovic Hughes) and Lady Macbeth (Emma Wright) et al.

The wonderful production is directed by OVO’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive, Adam Nichols. Not just a visionary director of individual plays, he is also the driving force behind the project to refurbish The Barn. At the official opening, he said: ““It is a dream come true, to see The Barn finally open - and to such an overwhelmingly warm and positive reception. We are incredibly excited to have a space in which we will be able to nurture emerging theatre talent from all backgrounds as part of OVO’s new rep company.

“I am enormously grateful for the support of our local community here in St Albans, the wider theatre industry and the amazing generosity of over 80 investors, without whom this project would not have been possible. And to the incredible OVO team, who have backed my crazy idea, poured everything into making this new theatre happen over the past few years. I couldn’t be prouder.”

The inaugural Autumn/Winter 2026 season features Macbeth (until 8 November), The Winding Stair (13–15 November) and Mark O’Sullivan’s wonderful production of A Christmas Carol (4–30 December 2026).

There’s more to come at The Barn, so check out what OVO is up to and support the continuing theatre and refurbishment project