REVIEW - THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH

When I saw an advert for this show, I immediately checked for tickets and they were all sold out. I then waited in the virtual queue for the free performance, I was 500 in the queue and didn’t get a ticket 😂 Then one night I randomly checked their website and someone had returned a ticket, so I quickly bought it!

Yaël Farber directs her take on Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth. The production appears to be set in modern military conditions. However the period is left intentionally vague, with a multitude of costumes including kilts and bulletproof vests, and Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’ playing in one scene.

The set design is atmospheric and immerses you in the performance. The use of the water tap in the front of the stage, and panes of glass throughout the performance make it feel real and powerful.

Saoirse Ronan stars as Lady Macbeth, famously a relatively small part – however in this version, there is rarely a moment that she doesn’t appear on stage. She is also the only cast member to speak with an Irish accent, with everyone else adopting the traditional Scottish accents. The entire cast make this production incredible, James McArdle’s Macbeth is superbly played. And Macbeth and Lady M’s moments together are mesmerising. The three witches (Maureen Hibbert, Diane Fletcher and Valerie Lilley) are dressed in business attire and appear as ever-present, all seeing powerful women.

The murders of the Macduffs are particularly gruesome, nothing is left to the imagination in this scene. I imagine some members of the audience covered their eyes. It’s absolutely brutal, and Akiya Henry as Lady Macduff is simply sensational.

All in all this production is a winner, although clocking in at nearly 3 hours, it doesn’t drag at all, and keeps you hooked throughout. Hauntingly atmospheric and beautifully portrayed by the entire company.