Macbeth is a tragedy play by William Shakespeare, written sometime between 1603 and 1606.

It is about a Regicide (the deliberate killing of a King) and it’s aftermath.

It is based on the accounts of Kings Macbeth, Duff, and Duncan in the Hollinshed’s Chronicles which was a book about the history of England, Scotland and Ireland, written in 1587.

It is believed by actors that the play is cursed and it is not mentioned by name, instead it is referred to as ‘The Scottish Play’ as several productions of it have been plagued with accidents. This according to legend, started with the original performance in which prop daggers were swapped for real ones which resulted in a real death. The curse is said to be due to the three witches and the spells they cast.

Macbeth began as a good man, a good husband who loved his somewhat demanding wife, and a loyal soldier. However, his meeting with the three witches changes him as they predict he may in future become King. He ponders if this prediction will come true and is encouraged by his wife to ensure it comes true, which results in the killing of King Duncan and begins the blood-letting as Macbeth begins his quest to become King.