ED FRINGE 2023 REVIEW | Brave Macbeth, Smashing Shakespeare
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Reviewer - Jacqueline
Brave Macbeth is one of two shows in the ‘Smashing Shakespeare’ series by Scott Coltman for Captivate Theatre.
As anyone who has worked in education will likely tell you, most children aren’t drawn to the works of William Shakespeare. The plots are usually perceived as dull or confusing and the language can be a huge barrier, in particular for children from economically deprived areas. This is where Smashing Shakespeare steps in to tell the story of Macbeth with singing, choreography and comedy in a neat, one-hour production performed in the auditorium of the National Museum of Scotland.
As the titular Macbeth returns from battle, he is told by three witches that he will become king. Naturally, his wife concludes that Macbeth simply needs to murder King Duncan, take the throne and live happily ever after. Easy enough, right? Unsurprisingly, things don’t go to plan as the small but mighty cast immerse their audiences in this tale of murder, witchcraft and even more murder.
The music is such a highlight of this production, with songs you’ll find yourself humming long after the performance is over. The performers bring an infectious energy to every number, from the catchy opening “Double Double”, to the truly heartbreaking “We Do Not Deserve To Die (To Die)”.
Modern references including WhatsApp and TikTok tarot readings are interspersed throughout the show- enough to catch you off guard and be genuinely funny, but not so many that it feels overdone. Props and costumes are also used effectively, allowing each of the performers to change roles with the simple addition or removal of an accessory. This ensures that the children in the audience are able to follow the plot and characters, without needing to over-simplify things. This is an incredibly underrated skill which is even seen in some of the West End’s biggest shows of recent years including the likes of Come From Away and Operation Mincemeat.
Whether you’re a young child experiencing your first Fringe show or a university graduate with a history of studying Shakespeare, there is guaranteed to be something in this production for you to enjoy. The show is charming, and hilarious and it’s no surprise that audiences have been returning year on year to see the latest production.
Brave Macbeth runs until August 14th (even dates) with Juliet and Her Romeo performed on the odd dates.
Ticket information for Brave Macbeth can be found on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe website.
