Reuben Joseph: Helensburgh actor to play Macbeth for RSC production

The actor finishes his title role run in Hamilton this weekend and now it's been revealed he will head to the Royal Shakespeare Company's (RSC) production of the famous Scottish play.

Reuben, who started out on stage in P3 at Hermitage Primary, has spent a year as Alexander Hamilton, relishing the chance to explore his character in new ways every show.

Now he will follow in the footsteps of Laurence Olivier, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Peter O'Toole and many others in Scotland's most famous theatre character.

In a statement, Reuben said: "I don’t think there’s a single Scottish actor who hasn’t dreamt of getting their hands on the part of Macbeth.

READ MORE: Reuben Joseph discusses his first few months as Alexander Hamilton

"For it to be my RSC debut – following in the footsteps of some of my acting heroes, 'stands not within the prospect of belief'.

"Playing Alexander Hamilton has me well versed in the disastrous consequences of ambition. Not to mention Hamilton’s own self-comparison to Macbeth in the show. They share a driving force, though one of them with far bloodier methods.

“I’m fascinated by the question of ‘how far can a person compromise their moral code, before they compromise their soul?’ "It’s a notion that resonates deeply with audiences, who after 400 years, keep coming back to this story. That same pull draws me to the character, humbled at the prospect, but excited for the challenge.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Wils for entrusting me with this role and can’t wait for you all to see the world she is creating for the show. It promises to be Scotland as Stratford-upon Avon has never seen it before. Hopefully, we’ll see you there on the blasted heath.”

Reuben will star opposite his Lady Macbeth played by Northern Irish actress Valene Kane. She got her TV debut in BBC's The Fall and has starred on several TV and film productions.

The RSC's run of Macbeth is set to start on August 19 at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.