This is a very modern production of Macbeth with English Touring Theatre’s version of Shakespeare’s Scottish tragedy set in a luxury apartment and use of audiovisual technology.
Rather than the classic opening scene of the three witches proclaiming that Macbeth will be king of Scotland, the play begins with a stressed out Lady Macbeth (Laura Elsworthy) waiting at home to hear from her husband Macbeth (Mike Noble). He finally gets in touch with a video message. Definitely not a method in Elizabethan England!
For those of you wondering whether you get to see those famous Weird Sisters, they do feature but in this 2024 setting, we see them in flashback form in Macbeth’s head and projected on the screens.
The production communicates the tension of the drama really well and its modern setting very much gives off a TV psychological drama or horror movie-vibe. The use of technology and atmospheric music is superb with Banquo’s ghost appearing in real time on stage thanks to some video trickery and at various points in the play, actors film the action in real time with a camera.
That scary film atmosphere is particularly evident in the more violent scenes, such as Macduff’s wife (Coral Sinclair) being asphyxiated with a plastic bag. These moments are uncomfortable to watch but they are meant to be and they are very impressively performed.
If we had to mention one negative, it’s the dialogue delivered by Mike Noble as Macbeth. It was hard to hear at times but that could have been down to microphone problems on press night.
Overall though, this production of Macbeth is a great one and well worth seeing for its 21st century interpretation and intriguing use of technology.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Macbeth is at Bristol Old Vic until 10 February.
Images by The Other Richard
