'Macbeth', often nicknamed in theatre as "the Scottish play" (Verdi's opera of the same name, a very good one at that, likewise), is one of William Shakespeare's most famous and most highly regarded plays, and it is also one of my personal favourites of his and a personal favourite play of mine. It has a dark and brutal story and the text makes up a masterpiece of playwright writing, constantly compelling, emotionally complex and provokes thought without one needing to think too hard.
This production is not the best 'Macbeth' personally seen and there are far better performances of Shakespeare's plays around. At least from respectful personal opinion. A lot of good elements here and it is a long way from unwatchable, but part of me felt rather short changed and wanting more. For better and more ideal productions of 'Macbeth', see the Roman Polanski and Ian McKellen/Judi Dench versions, both brilliant interpretations of the play and Shakespeare in general.
Lets get the not so good things out of the way. Did find that some of the staging was somewhat too confined and doesn't always connect as a coherent whole with the odd idea that came over as randomly thrown in. Some rather odd and gimmicky music use too. It has been said about the production truncating chunks of the text, really do try not to get cross at cuts but it depends on what is cut, how much is and what the reason is, the cut portions are quite important sadly, the amount cut doesn't always allow the text to flow and didn't really see much need for the cuts.
Also did not care for the portrayal of the witches and how the supernatural elements came over. The witches were too downplayed and nowhere near spooky enough, and the supernatural elements were non-descript and unimaginative. Stephen Noonan for my tastes overacts as the Porter.
For all those misgivings, there is a lot to like about this 'Macbeth'. The biggest merit is the performances, with the standout being Harriet Walter's chillingly reptilian Lady Macbeth. Close behind is the powerful and authoritative Macbeth of Antony Sher. The chemistry between the two is earth shattering. Standing out as well are a noble Banquo and affecting Macduff. Shakespeare's writing is flawless, everybody delivers it with feeling and gusto and the emotional complexity is obvious throughout.
Did like the gritty realism of the production values generally, there are some inventive touches especially in the camera work (which makes the drama and visuals more interesting than they are and avoid the trap of being "stage bound") and the intimacy of the soliloquies was appreciated.
Summarising, worthwhile but felt underwhelming. 6/10 Bethany Cox
