1623 theatre company will be weaving their Shakespeare magic later this month, when they perform one of the Bard's most terrifying plays amongst the Rolls-Royce aviation exhibits at Derby Silk Mill.

Macbeth will be set in the 1940s, in the wake of a terrible war when an heroic fighter pilot takes the prophecies of three witches to heart and, with the help of his wife, kills the king and seizes the crown.

Councillor Joe Naitta, Cabinet Member for Leisure & Culture, explains: "This is a real first – never before has a full Shakespeare play been performed in one of Derby's museums!"

Co-ordinator of Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Adrian Farmer, says: "It's very exciting to have the work of one of the world's greatest playwright's performed in one of the world's first factories.

"This is an absolutely unique event and one of the biggest attractions of the World Heritage Site Discovery Days Festival, which takes place between October 25 and November 2."

Performances of Macbeth at the Silk Mill take place from Wednesday October 29 to Saturday November 1, 2008.  All performances start at 7.30pm and run for approximately 2 hours.

Special family events on Halloween (Friday 31 October) include spooky storytelling (ages 10 upwards) before the show at 7pm and a Halloween costume competition, judged by the witches after the show.

Tickets £5 (£3 concessions), including free non-alcoholic refreshments.  Call the Silk Mill on 01332 255308 to reserve show tickets and Halloween storytelling places.

This is a promenade performance through the building, with limited seating.  Macbeth at the Silk Mill is supported by Derby City Council, Derwent Valley Mills and Rolls Royce.

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Notes for editors

• Photographs of Macbeth and the witches attached.
• More photographs available from Ben Spiller on 07867 996959.
• For press tickets, call Derby Silk Mill on 01332 255308.
• More information on 1623 can be found at www.1623theatre.co.uk.
• Further details on the World Heritage Discovery Days Festival are at www.derwentvalleymills.org.