"IS THIS a dagger which I see before me?
"I'm not sure, can someone get the lights?"
This could be how the scene from Shakespeare's famous tragedy Macbeth plays out when the Brentwood Theatre stages 'the Scottish play' – in complete darkness.
The hour-long production, entitled Macbeth In Pitch Black, is the brainchild of the London Contemporary Theatre group and, according to theatre administrator Mark Reed, it promises to be a unique experience.
Mr Reed said: "It's certainly something different and I am definitely looking forward to it – it's going to be all about the words.
"It's a fascinating opportunity and the hour-long performance allows us to get all the juicy bits in.
"Everyone knows they should see a Shakespeare play and this quirky performance will hopefully entice them along.
"It's really good for schools as it's a great introduction to the works of Shakespeare and we already have some school groups booked."
He added: "The audience will be focused on the words.
"The wonderful lines of Shakespeare will be brought to life by the five voices."
Jonathan Ashby-Rock, director at the London Contemporary Theatre, said: "We originally did radio plays and we wanted a way of getting all the emphasis on the words, especially with the deceit, lies and intrigue that feature in Macbeth."
The play will be acted out by five cast members and every light in the theatre will be turned off.
The intention is to immerse the audience in the one of the Bard's paciest and most devilish plays.
Often referred to as 'the Scottish play', it has become synonymous with superstition, with actors refusing to utter Macbeth's name for fear of bad luck.
According to the organisers, the darkness will intensify and heighten the audience's sense of hearing and leave the imagination free to focus on the words.
The play will be showing twice a day, at 1 and 4pm, on May 23 and 24.
Tickets cost £10 and are available by calling the box office on 01277 200305.
