Stream: Macbeth
Monday’s broadcast was a perfect way of enjoying Shakespeare for those who are averse to the bard. A psychological thriller examining the dangers of political ambition, the Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank Macbeth was a gripping, full-scale 90-minute performance. It was a fast-paced, dramatic, accessible performance and a show the whole family could enjoy. It was set in a world of civil war and had scenes of violence, murder, death and loads of blood. Just the ticket for school parties in town for an educational day out standing in the pouring rain but taking in every blood- thirsty minute.
Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s shortest plays, written in 1606 and usually performed without an interval. It resonated well in the current climate with the blue and white Saltire pinned to every costume from the Scottish contingent. Living as I do within short distance of Cawdor and the ‘blasted heath’ (near Forres), this gave it an extra spin. The cast doubled many parts which gave an authentic air and managed to encourage the audience to take part in the cheering at the victories and bloody bodies on stage without milking the moment. The pace was lightening, and Ekow Quartey as Macbeth did not linger on the lines nor throw the key monologues away - a first-class performance, especially as Macbeth has most of the lines. I am sure it delighted the English teachers in the audience, who may return to school and ask their students to ‘compare and contrast’! The opening sequence with the three witches delighted the crowd as they emerged from a rubbish dump centre stage. Great fun.
As expected, the costuming and props were quirky, with a mix of ancient and modern. Simple crowns to denote a king, blazer and shorts for Malcolm, played by Aiden Cheng, and the groundlings especially liked Macbeth’s kingly white trainers. Lady Macbeth played by Elly Condron, portrayed as pregnant, went mad nicely, and Jack Wilkinson as Macduff slew Macbeth with vigour. Samuel Oatley as Banquo played the ghost scene brilliantly.
This was a lively and rather Shakespearean experience, even from the front room. Having sat in the Globe in the freezing winter and boiling hot summer it cemented my thoughts that this is the perfect venue. Shakespeare does not need expensive technical settings!
Available to watch for free on YouTube.
