WHEN describing Macbeth, Annette Bonnick opts for three very powerful words.

"It's sexy, violent and raw," she said. "And I didn't realise how fast it is; it's exciting."

Bonnick, the founder of Worcester's Melting Pot Theatre Company, is full of passion for the company's production of Macbeth, being staged at the Worcester Arts Workshop later this month.

"The Arts Workshop is great for raw emotions, which is why it's an ideal venue," said Bonnick, who is preparing to play the persuasive Lady Macbeth.

"I knew the play. I think everyone does. But, the best way to know any play properly is to perform it.

"Lady Macbeth is a great character.

"She's tremendously powerful for a woman in her time, in her society, but the only way she can release that power is by manipulating her husband.

"She becomes desperate when she starts to lose that power over him, when she can't pull him back. I love it - I love playing her. And I love playing opposite Phillip (Ward). He is such a powerful actor."

Bonnick formed Melting Pot in 2000, after starring in Arthur Miller's The Crucible for the Swan Theatre Amateur Company and deciding that she wanted to take it a step further.

"We didn't want to be tied to any particular venue, or burdened by rules," she said.

"We have a core of actors who we know and call on. We also try to encourage new people from around the area to join us.

"Over the years it's taken on its own momentum."

The company's first production was Peter Whelan's The Herbal Bed at The Commandery, in Sidbury.

Earlier this year, they performed Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale in the open air at The Greyfriars, a venue they will no doubt return to.

Macbeth is at the Worcester Arts Workshop, Sansome Street, from Tuesday, October 23, to Saturday, October 27.

For tickets, priced £9.50, call the Worcester Live box office on 01905 611427.

lauren rogers