Macbeth

Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 2 pm at Bard on the Beach, MainStage, 1695 Whyte Avenue, Vancouver | View Map | Phone

“What’s done cannot be undone.”

A thrilling exploration of fate, desire, and downfall, Macbeth tells the tragic tale of a victorious general who learns from a prophecy that he will become King. Spurred by his own desires and the ruthless encouragement of his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and seizes the crown, before descending into tyranny as he tries to hold onto his throne. Stark design and stylized visuals heighten themes of power and paranoia drawing audiences deep into a world that is as haunting as it is unforgettable.

Tickets

Bard offers VocalEye members a fantastic deal for described performances: one complimentary ticket plus 50% off an additional companion ticket. Please call Box Office at 604-739-0559. Some restrictions apply.

Running time: TBA

Directed by Stephen Drover


Resources

The Story

This supernatural soliciting” 
Amidst a desolate wasteland, a tale of prophecy, power, and paranoia unfolds.

Macbeth and Banquo have commanded King Duncan’s forces to victory against a rebellion led by the traitorous Thane of Cawdor. On their way home, they come across three mysterious figures who tell Macbeth that he will be named Thane of Cawdor, and then King. When Banquo presses them, they reveal that Banquo will not be King, but his children will be. A noble, Ross, arrives soon after with news: to honour Macbeth’s success in battle, Duncan has named him the new Thane of Cawdor. Despite this turn of events, Macbeth is determined to not do anything about the prophecy.

“The bloody business”
In their home of Dunsinane, Macbeth’s wife learns about his fateful encounter. When she receives word that Duncan will be visiting, she seizes the opportunity. Though he is unsure at first, she convinces Macbeth to kill Duncan so that he can become King. Later that day, Duncan arrives with his sons Malcolm and Donalbain, Banquo and his son Fleance, and the nobles Lennox, Macduff, and Ross.

That night, Lady Macbeth drugs Duncan’s attendants so that Macbeth can sneak into Duncan’s room when they are asleep. Macduff discovers Duncan’s dead body the next morning, and the guards are framed for his murder. Malcolm and Donalbain flee, fearing for their own lives.

“What’s done cannot be undone”
Macbeth is named King, but his work is not done yet—not when Banquo is prophesized to father a line of kings. Macbeth hires three men to kill Banquo and Fleance, but Fleance manages to escape.

Later that evening, the Macbeths hold a feast. However, it takes a turn when Macbeth is left shaken by the sight of Banquo’s bloody, living corpse at the table.

The next day, the Macbeths speak to the three prophetic figures. They tell Macbeth that he cannot be harmed by anyone born from a woman, nor until the trees in Birnam Wood march to Dunsinane.

However, Banquo’s children will still become king. Furious, Macbeth orders an attack on Macduff’s family. His wife and children are killed, but Macduff is with Malcolm, raising an army against Macbeth. Will it be enough to put an end to Macbeth’s reign of terror, or will the prophecy that Macbeth “shall never vanquish’d be” hold true?