The Stage

Chit chat - Abi’s vaulting ambition

Published Tuesday 27 October 2009 at 11:40

Tabard has seen some odd casting over the years. Pamela Anderson cropping up in Wimbledon’s panto this Christmas was a pretty surprising piece of news, but we think this tops it.

Abi Titmuss - she of lads-mag spreads and the infamous John Leslie sex tapes - is tackling Shakespeare. Lady Macbeth to be precise. And it’s in remotest Suffolk at the Seagull Theatre in Lowestoft. All very odd.

Still, John Hales, the artistic director of the Seagull - which nearly closed earlier this year when the local council decided to sell it off - doesn’t seems to think so. “We’re delighted to have Abi on board for this production. She’s always been a huge fan of theatre and is really making a stand for the smaller theatres across the country by playing Lady Macbeth at the Seagull and on tour. The publicity will be great for us as we rebuild the theatre but more importantly, we’re lucky to have such a dedicated, talented, powerful and classy actress working with us. This production is designed to make Shakespeare exciting and accessible.

“It’s for audiences new to Shakespeare and schools but also for the more experienced theatregoer, looking for a fresh take on this extraordinary play . In all respects Abi is perfect casting. She’s bringing power and sensuality but also genuine depth to the role. I’m certain she is going to surprise and impress everyone.”

Well, part one of ‘surpise and impress’ can be ticked off, now it’s down to Ms Titmuss to pull off part two, so to speak.

She has a bit of form, having appeared in an Arthur Miller play at the now defunct Courtyard Theatre in Covent Garden, and she says she’s applying herself.

“I have been very lucky with the parts I have been offered and intend to make the most of them. It’s been a real challenge taking on such a wide variety of parts and I have been working very hard as I’m determined to become known as an actress and not just for being famous,” she explains.

Still, the smart money is on a few sniggers in the back row when she gets to Mrs Macbeth’s ‘unsex me here’ speech.