AN ACTOR who has performed Shakespeare plays more than 500 times is set to bring the Bard’s tragic Macbeth back to life - as a present day comedy character.

Veteran thespian Dean Taylor, who is well known in East Lancashire for his outdoor productions of Shakespeare’s comedies, will perform the new play Macbeth Speaks at four local venues, including the crypt at Blackburn Cathedral and Colne Little Theatre.

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Dean drew some puzzled looks as he made a publicity trip to Blackburn town centre in full costume and make-up.

He engaged with shoppers outside the market sporting a tartan-bedecked white blazer and an enormous black-eye.

The one-man play, written by John Cargill-Thompson, sees Macbeth return to the world in the present to put the record straight.

The comedy turns on its head the premise of Macbeth, considered one of Shakespeare’s darkest and most powerful works.

Dean said: “The play turns tragedy to comedy in a humorous and caustic way. Macbeth describes Shakespeare as ‘that bald little scribe who got it wrong’.

“The contemporary Macbeth maintains the play was not the tragedy we know and accept as gospel but rather its truth is a tale of legitimate power and benevolence.

“The Shakespearean tale is challenged in the name of historical truth and justice.

“The tone is comedic and ironic with a healthy caustic undertone. It’s very funny when worn by my character who feels hard done by.”

Dean is well known for his outdoor touring theatre company, who perform the Bard’s plays in outdoor arenas.

His credits include more than 10 years and 500 performances of Shakespearean comedy, including Twelfth Night, The Taming of the Shrew, The Merchant of Venice and The Tempest.

Macbeth speaks will be performed at Darwen Library Theatre on April 23, Whalley village hall on May 2, Blackburn Cathedral on May 9 and Colne Little Theatre on May 23.