REVIEW | ETT Macbeth, Shakespeare North Playhouse

Mike Noble & Brian Lonsdale in ETT Macbeth at Shakespeare North Playhouse.  Credit: The Other Richard

★ ★ ★

Reviewer - Joseph

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

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"What's done, cannot be undone."

Nobody can suggest that this production of Shakespeare's shortest tragedy of being without idea. There are several, some more thought out than others. It eventually falls into the easy trap of not really doing anything because it tries to be too many things. 

Gimmicks throughout seem to pull the audience out of their seats. "modernising" the staging without purpose, which is the real problem with this production, the ideas lack purpose, and without this, entire set pieces become either confusing or downright impossible to understand. Apparently Malcolm likes karaoke, any idea why? Because I have no clue. Along with a very strange apparition scene featuring men in wigs and gingham dresses that garnered many laughs, it all felt a bit disjointed. 

Some stellar performances however in the form of Mike Noble's titular character, Guy Rhys as Macduff giving a truly gut-wrenching performance as well as Jasmine Elcock definitely held her own in her professional debut as Malcolm.

Laura Elsworthy's Lady Macbeth didn't feel as malicious and affecting as she could have, there wasn't as much of a feeling of corruption, however her descent into madness in the infamous 'Out damned spot' definitely hit the mark.

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When the whole company are together the show lifts and you can really feel the tension between the characters. Especially towards the end, we feel as though we're also preparing for war. 

The staging transformed the normally circular performance space with a new "frons scenae", columns establishing the lavish way that the couple live, but with notable modernisations that take more than they provide. Technology abounds with projection, including live video feeds, including a very clever dinner scene, with some unexpected guests. 

The lack of physical witches is a shame for me, I get their intention and they do succeed in most areas, but their absence is notable as a fan of their presence. This show was enjoyable and had lots of moments of brilliance but seemed to be fighting itself for attention. How apt!

ETT Macbeth is touring on the following dates:

Shakespeare North Playhouse: 1 – 23 September 2023

Northern Stage: 27 September – 7 October 2023

New Wolsey Ipswich: 17 – 21 October 2023

: 25 – 28 October 2023

Dubai Opera House: 3 – 5 November 2023

Cambridge Arts Theatre: 8 – 11 November 2023

The Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe: 14 – 18 November 2023

Bristol Old Vic: 25 January – 10 February 2024

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford: 20 – 24 February 2024