Branagh set for Shakespeare return

Sir Kenneth Branagh will direct and star in a new production of Macbeth as part of next year’s Manchester International Festival.

The production, 17 performances staged in a deconsecrated church, marks the actor’s return to Shakespeare after more than a decade.

Sir Kenneth, who was knighted earlier this month, has been seen on screen recently as troubled Swedish cop Wallander.

He previously directed and starred in an Oscar-nominated version of Henry V.

The festival has previously attracted names including Bjork and Damon Albarn.

Mercury Prize winners The xx will also take part next year playing a series of small shows with audiences of no more than 100.

Festival director Alex Poots said: “These wide-ranging events offer a glimpse at the breadth of the programme for the fourth Manchester International Festival.