People recovering from drug and alcohol addiction at a recovery hub in Burley will stage a one-off production of Macbeth, directed by a RADA-trained former TV actress.
The Hurly-Burley Players will be staging Macbeth at the Guiseley Theatre on Wednesday, May 8th.
Everyone appearing in the performance is in recovery from problematic alcohol or drug use and attends the 5 Ways recovery hub off Burley Road for support and advice or as a volunteer.
Director Christabel Grasby has performed on national TV, radio and stage, including the ITV Drama Peak Practice. She said:
“I’m looking to create a way that people can re-focus themselves and find a new direction or even a new self through drama. I wanted to work with 5 Ways as I wanted a new challenge and I’ve been looking for a new way of offering therapy through drama.
“As well as working towards a production of Macbeth there have been lots of opportunities for the students to build self-confidence and self-esteem on the course. Now they will experience the excitement and all the positive feelings that come with performance, when their friends and families can watch them re-born on the stage.”
Gabrielle, who plays Lady Macbeth, said:
“Coming to 5 WAYS and being given the opportunity to perform in Macbeth is helping me to gain some of the confidence back that I lost, and also increase it.
“Every time I come to rehearsal I’m encouraged to get out of my comfort zone, to engage with others. Taking on the role of Lady Macbeth is giving me the opportunity to come out of a shell that addiction imposed on me.”
The ‘company’ have chosen the name ‘The Hurly-Burley Players’ as 5 Ways is based off Burley Road in Leeds.
Tickets are available from 5 Ways. £3 for waged and £1.50 for unwaged. You can call 5 Ways, which is part Armley-based of Forward Leeds recovery service, on 0113 887 2749 or e-mail 5ways@forwardleeds.co.uk.
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