Saoirse Ronan to make London stage debut as Lady Macbeth

At the Almeida from September, Yael Farber directing and with James McArdle as Macbeth.

The Almeida has just announced their whole season, which includes a revival of Spring Awakening for Christmas.

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/may/21/saoirse-ronan-uk-stage-debut-feminist-macbeth-almeida-theatre-london

Congratulations to the UK for winning back my tourist dollars.

(I don't know the Peg o'My Heart reference, but I'm assuming you're saying she's too young for the role?) 

The Macbeths have been played by actors of many ages, depending how the director interprets the role. Are they young and hubristic, easily manipulated by temptation? Or are they older, jaded, and frustrated with their station in life after decades of being in the same place? It really could go either way. Ronan is 27 now - a bit younger than your average Lady M, but not prohibitively so, especially if it's incorporated into the direction like I said. I think it would be weird to see someone in their early 20s do it, but late 20s feels grown up enough to pull it off. 

Ah, clever. Haven't listened to Mame in like 10 years. I'm curious if henrik was just making the joke for the sake of it, or if they actually think Ronan is too young for it. 

I have yet to enjoy a James McArdle performance. Maybe Ronan will elevate his work?

Sutton Ross said: "NameGreg said: "Happy for Saoirse, but I’m especially exited for James McArdle who I adored in Angels in America. Glad that he’s getting another excellent showcase role in a major production."

Man, he was so brilliant in Angels, I will never forget it.

In other news, I have just figured out how to pronounce Saoirse so it's been a great day!"

Ha!  When I met her after The Crucible, I purposely didn't say her name.  Knowing I would mess it up and embarrass myself.

I thought James McArdle overacted in Angels, but I saw him give a great performance as Platonov at the National Theatre the year before. I think he'll do well as MacBeth if the direction is there. 

It's interesting because he and Saoirse Ronan just played husband and wife in the movie Ammonite, but that doesn't give us any kind of clue into their chemistry, because their characters were meant to be emotionally estranged, and barely interacted onscreen.