Macbeth

Synopsis

The Scottish Play - theatrical types consider saying its name to be unlucky! Thrust into power by his overwhelming desires and an over ambitious wife, Macbeth finds his only security is to murder and murder again. From "When shall we three meet again" to "is this a dagger I see before me" this is a powerful Shakespearean drama.

Our Review:

1 March 2007

In the opening scenes of the West Yorkshire Playhouse production, the oddly unheroic bearing and speech of Macbeth gives rise to fears that this might be Macbeth - Without the Thane. However, the first appearance of Michelle Fairley’s compelling Lady Macbeth focuses attention and finally Ian Brown’s production completely justifies itself on its own terms.

This is a brisk, unfussy production which lasts only two and a half hours including interval, despite presenting a pretty full version of the text: the only sizeable cuts are of the spurious (the Hecate scene) and the extraneous (the English Doctor). Coherent and intelligible, it is, in particular, a splendid piece of story-telling for first-time Shakespeareans, always numerous in a Macbeth audience.

All aspects of design and production are thoroughly integrated. Ruari Murchison’s evocative designs allow only the occasional burst of red (Lady Macbeth’s costume, a final burst of blood-red across the skyl...

Read more of the review

Latest User Review

Peter Brookstein - 12 March 2007:

I disagree about Banquo's performance. It felt real and showed humanity especially with the scenes with his son Fleance, who might i add, was the the best actor on stage (Shane Zaza). The play had its ups and downs but on the whole I had a great night out...

Read more and add your own review