Macbeth (Trinity College Gardens, Oxford)

Oxford Theatre Guild’s latest is a functional and occasionally interesting take on the Scottish Play set in a leafy and cozy nook just off the lawns of Trinity College. My companion told me that on reflection, she thought that this would make for a perfect first date and whilst I fought this idea for a bit, I have to agree. It shouldn’t really be the case that a psychological gore-fiesta like Macbeth ends up as a conversation starter for erstwhile lovers, but what this production lacks in depth it makes up for in verve from the principal cast.

All of the speaking characters displayed a thorough relationship with the text as well as a faithful adherence to the peculiar and beguiling language contained within. Whilst easy on the ear, the depth of characterisation on offer was pretty thin and unfortunately for a fairly short tragedy, the pace did tend to sag especially towards the end of the first act. The directorial team did seem to want to play to the strengths of the resources available to them and decided to carry the production via the energy of the players and for the most part succeeded. Although it was at times superficial, OTG have come up with a very enjoyable version of this classic shocker.

All this is not to say that the production is without moments of charm. The increasing integration of the witches as a chorus of minor characters worked neatly as symbolism of Macbeth’s deteriorating mental condition. Similarly the ending’s lovely tableau, with its implied circularity, was the one moment of the play that came closest to being genuinely unsettling.

Go and see it, but expect a distracting evening’s entertainment rather than a true horror show.

– Josh Tomalin

Tickets available from Tickets Oxford – 01865 305305 or www.ticketsoxford.com.

Performances continue to 22nd July

www.oxfordtheatreguild.com