Redcliffe Caves Bristol Shakespeare Festival

Bristol Shakespeare Festival

Redcliffe Caves have been used on three occasions as a venue for this event -

July 2013 - The Tempest Within

The Tempest Within – “on an island for twelve years the relationship of Mother and Daughter begins to unravel. The Tempest Within is a tale touching on sexuality, possession and death. Can you ever be free? The Tempest Within is an ever evolving piece of theatre/art, as the piece goes on to change, each performance will bring new creative possibilities. The artists explore the psychological aspects of isolation and how this affects human behaviour.

Link - http://www.skylightrain.com/the-tempest-within-theatre-review/

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Photographs : The Tempest set - Alan Gray



July 2014 - Hamlet

The Butterfly Theatre

“Ghosts stalk the crypt-like caves demanding vengeance. Sound pounds through the rock. A heart has to choose; ‘to be or not to be’.
Hamlet returns home for his father’s sudden funeral to find his mother has married his uncle. His father’s restless ghost appears to him demanding vengeance for his murder, and claims that Hamlet’s uncle was the one who killed him. Can Hamlet believe the ghost? Can he really murder his uncle? Butterfly is a professional theatre company from London that brings Shakespeare’s classics vividly to life in extraordinary settings, creating site specific productions underground that intrigue and amaze. Described by Lyn Gardner (The Guardian) as providing, “sly masterstroke… [and] plenty of high spirits”, Butterfly never fail to delight their audience.


The caves are a dark and enclosed space, providing the perfect backdrop for our haunting hour-long adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet. We shall be lighting the caves with a mixture of candles and electric lights, but they will remain shadowy throughout. You are welcome to bring your own torches with you should you wish to further light your path; we will also have spare torches on the door for audience use.”

Link - http://katemcstraw.com/project/hamlet-underground/



July 2015 - Macbeth


In war-torn Scotland a new power rises; Supernatural prophecy and naked ambition combine to crown the warrior Macbeth as king.

Follow this once loyal soldier into the Redcliffe caves and experience Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy anew. Specifically adapted to respond to this unique local landmark, Insane Root invites you to meet witches in the shadows, eavesdrop on secret plots and witness bloody murder.

As reality and madness begin to blur, the war drums sound once more. Be careful not to lose your way in the dark…

Insane Root is a Bristol-based theatre company created by actor/producer Justin Palmer and director Hannah Drake. Born out of a shared passion for reinvigorating classical texts in unusual locations, Macbeth will be their fourth collaboration and flagship production for the company.

Link - Web Site - http://insaneroottheatre.wix.com/insaneroot#!macbeth-programme/c1wqi
Link - Review - http://www.femalearts.com/node/1841



Bradley Stoke Radio:


(Taken from Facebook) Insane Root are performing Macbeth in Redcliffe caves! What a production and atmosphere, people actually squealed as the 'sisters' pushed their way through the audience in the dark! You were totally involved from the word go in the close proximity of the caves with actors walking round you. A masterful performance from Ben Crispen as Macbeth, who died within a foot of me, and all praise to Launa Jinks, who had the audience walking within inches of her as she lay dead on the cave floor.
Hannah Drake directed an inspired performance in a truly magical setting. * * * *



Audience Feedback:

Jaclyn Skinner, a teacher from a school group:

'We came to see Macbeth yesterday with a group of students and you were amazing! The pupils (who will be studying the play next year) thoroughly enjoyed it and came away excited about Shakespeare. You also inspired us as teachers. The production was dark, menacing and engaging from beginning to end. Let us know if you are ever in Wales.'


Alex Davies, a teacher who brought a school group:

'I can't quite believe this is the first piece of theatre Insane Root have produced – pure magic. Best of luck to you and all of the cast and crew performing for the last time this evening. I pity anyone who did not manage to see the show as it is truly spectacular. The outstanding performances throughout the play, powerful music and beautiful lighting make it impossible for anyone to forget the magic of Macbeth in the Caves. Congratulations to Hannah for her wonderful direction and Justin for having such an innovative idea and being able to share it with everyone who has had the privilege of seeing it. Thank you. I look forward to seeing the next Insane Root production!'


General Public reaction on Facebook:

'Insane Root's production of Macbeth in Mary Redcliffe caves…visceral, intimate, powerful (kinda scary) and brilliant. Well done to all :-)'


'Just home from tonight's evening performance of Macbeth. What a fantastic performance enhanced by the caves! The acting was superb, loved the singing. I applaud the hard work and energy of this group. Thank you for a wonderful evening.'


'Also saw this afternoon's production and was absolutely wowed. The edit was slick, the performance polished and the fantastic use of the space allowed an intimacy that you don't usually get with theatre, especially with Shakespeare, from my experience. Fabulous and atmospheric!'


'Just got back from seeing the afternoon performance of Macbeth at Redcliffe caves. We have been seeing productions of Macbeth for at least 55 years, and this is the best we have ever seen. Wonderfully atmospheric use of the caves, but it was the thoughtful interpretation of the text, and the excellent performances, that made it for us. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth were particularly fine, but everyone was superb.'


'Thoroughly enjoyed Macbeth. Great venue. Superb performances from everyone. Preferred over Branagh in the church! More from Insane Root asap.Outstanding Macbeth and Banquo\ Satan! Cannot praise the show enough.'

6 June to 14 July 2016 - Macbeth

About the Show

Were such things here as we do speak about? Or have we eaten on the insane root. That takes the reason prisoner? - Banquo

Insane Root’s Macbeth is a visceral, claustrophobic, and promenade retelling of Shakespeare’s classic, shaped for a 21st century video game playing audience: inspired both by the work of companies such as Punchdrunk, and the enduring fascination of haunted houses.

“Shakespeare has rarely been more exciting. Insane Root has set the bar high and clearly is in the business of making outstanding theatre. Not to be missed.” Petra Schofield, Theatre Bath review.

We invite our audiences to follow characters through corridors of red earth, celebrating the rise and fall of kings, confronting witches in dark hollows, bearing witness to psychological entanglements, eavesdropping on relationships between husbands and wives, meeting ghosts, and even experiencing a siege.

“Insane Root’s production of Macbeth, set in the red sandstone caves of Redcliffe, is stunning.”
Sam Coughlan, Female Arts review.

The show features an ensemble cast of professional local actors, live music, harmony singing and atmospheric lighting.

As well as reimagining the classic story of Macbeth, Insane Root are thrilled to be able to promote the Redcliffe Caves as a standout Bristol landmark to both the general public and local schools.

“The pupils thoroughly enjoyed it and came away excited about Shakespeare. You also inspired us as teachers.” Jaclyn Skinner, teacher at Fitzalan High School, Cardiff

Due to the intense nature of the show and, because of the location, capacity is extremely limited (35 tickets per performance).

Each performance will run at approximately 1hr 45 minutes and will be safely stewarded by a team of fully trained volunteers overseen by our professionally trained Stage Manager.

“Director Hannah Drake and the tiny cast of seven make clever use of the caves’ fabulous acoustics and dark nooks to spine-chillingly emphasise the supernatural elements that drag Macbeth to his inevitable downfall.” Toby O’Connor-Morse, Bristol 24/7 magazine review

About The Creators

Insane Root is a Bristol-based theatre company created by actor/producer Justin Palmer and director Hannah Drake. Born out of a shared passion for reinvigorating classical texts in unusual locations, Macbeth was their fourth collaboration and flagship production for the company.

Justin trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and the University of Bristol. He has worked extensively across the UK in theatre, film, TV and voiceover, and is an Associate Director of critically acclaimed Gentleman Jack Theatre.

Hannah trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and is Associate Director of the Rondo Theatre in Bath. She has directed acclaimed productions in Bristol, Bath, London and Edinburgh. http://hannahdrake.wix.com/director

In war-torn Scotland a new power rises. Supernatural prophecy and naked ambition combine to crown the warrior Macbeth as King.

Follow this once loyal soldier into the Redcliffe caves and experience Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy anew. Specifically adapted to respond to this unique local landmark, Insane Root invites you to meet witches in the shadows, eavesdrop on secret plots and witness bloody murder.

But as reality and madness begin to blur, and the war drums sound once more, be careful not to lose your way in the dark…

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