Stage Review - MACBETH

Pictured: Paul Tinto as Macbeth and Ewan Somers as Macduff
⭐⭐⭐⭐

There have been a good few oblique versions of Macbeth (aka The Scottish Play for superstitious reasons). These 'off the wall' versions have incorporated an array of different art forms and styling. Whereas this Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Derby Theatre co-production conforms very much to the traditional. 


Intentionally, the director, Douglas Rintoul has worked to a devised system of presentation, geared for those studying Macbeth and being mindful to present its audience with a down-to-earth version. What you get here is a straightforward telling with nothing eccentric in regard to the theatrical devices deployed.

This decision however, means that the performances and the technical work involved, needs to hit the floor running in order to be successful in sealing the deal when it comes to presenting those tense and tragic moments convincingly. Remembering too, that because of the complexities of the language (as beautiful and poetic as it is) can only partly attune us to those long monologues in some strange sense; making it a challenging undertaking, and not one for the faint hearted.



Therefore, though this production may not be total in its ability to enthrall; the result is a ‘classic’ Macbeth. It is one that educates; one which deftly delivers those complex lines entwined in naturalistic action and movement.

The battle, the fighting, and murderous acts are told in shadow play techniques. The stage lighting is set low during mournful moments, and in scenes with the three weird sisters (the Witches).

Pictured: Phoebe Sparrow as Lady Macbeth

The Witches, of course, are fabulous characters to have ever been imagined, however the character of Lady Macbeth is arguably, more vital. Played by Phoebe Sparrow who has acquired a nice balance of the passion and malevolent side of her character; with enough womanly resourcefulness and ultimate remorsefulness to nail her portrayal.

Pictured: Paul Tinto in the Queen's Theatre Hornchurch and Derby Theatre co-production of Macbeth (the Scottish Play)

Scottish Actor, Paul Tinto, has great voice, and is energetic and engaging in his acting as he takes us on his main character journey. From loyal, brave, and successful Macbeth, through his gradual transistion to tryranny - Tinto plays him with necessary attitude and defiance.

The ensemble are well sourced from a pool of professional and experienced acting talents from across the UK, playing the many key characters that structures Macbeth; and the minor characters who help to make it exceptional in and amongst all of the drama. This includes an amusing drunk, a nervy doctor, and three spell-binding sisters. Look out for the relative newcomer to the profession, Colette McNulty, she is definitely one to watch in the future.

There are no weak performances. Every player demonstrates a skill for memory and competent delivery of the dialogue and speech; and so, on that score alone, this is a fine example of Macbeth played in the purest of form.


CAST

Paul Tinto (Macbeth) – credits include: National Theatre of Scotland, BBC TV, Film (Sam Mendes)

Phoebe Sparrow (Lady Macbeth) – credits include: Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, ITV, Film (Marc Price)

Adam Karim (Banquo) – credits include: Manchester Royal Exchange, BBC TV, Film

Ewan Somers (Macduff) – credits include: Belgrade Theatre Coventry/Glasgow Citizens Theatre, Sony/Starz/Leftbank TV

Tilda Wickham (Malcolm) – credits include: Hampstead Theatre, BBC TV and Radio


Members of the Ensemble

Rikki Chamberland (Angus/Porter/Fight Captain)

Martin Johnston (Duncan/Old Man/Doctor)

Connie Walker (First Witch/Lennox/Gentlewoman)

Danielle Kassarate (Lady MacDuff/Second Witch)

Colette McNulty (Third Witch/Donalbain/Murderer 2/Young Soldier)

Daniel Kendrick (Captain/Seyton)

David Nellist (Ross/Murderer 1)

Note: depending on the venue the characters of Fleance and Young Macduff are played by child performers.

**ENDS**



Review by theatre critic Debra Hall who attended the press night performance of Macbeth at Derby Theatre on 04 March 2020 7.30pm 



Production Photography by Mark Sepple

Comments

Popular Posts