Macbeth

When: Thursday 27^th June

Where: Globe

Why: Eve Best directed it

I’ve only seen one version of Macbeth before, and that was an al-fresco university production with everyone dressed in black, and I had no idea who was who or who was being murdered. I think it’s the abundance of Macs that gets me twisted. So I had a bit of a murky concept of what the plot actually is – but this version directed by (the brilliant) Eve Best brought clarity and a lightness of touch to a dark play.

As a directorial debut, it was incredibly confident and slick – bringing a simple, fresh and intelligent approach to a much-performed work. I found it hugely entertaining, both as an overall theatre experience and in the humour which was scattered throughout the production. The audience were full-on laughing at several points in the play – my personal favourite was Joseph Millson’s cheeky delivery of Macbeth’s line when he’s made king: “Would you like to kiss my ring?” He engaged the audience with his humour in classic Globe style, which I was pleased to find is not just reserved for comedies.

The chemistry between Millson’s Macbeth and Samantha Spiro’s Lady Macbeth was impressive. The power struggle within their relationship visibly shifts and Lady Macbeth’s general devastation at the end clearly includes the feeling that she has lost her husband too. There is a sense of poignancy too throughout the play and this counteracted the light humour well – particularly Millson’s restless physical performance works just as well for madness as comedy. His ‘tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow’ speech was captivating.

The portrayal of the witches also seemed to be something new – they were less a terrifying force than an otherworldly trio. They were light, intriguing, and gave off a more pagan, mysterious vibe which was really thrilling. The play also ended with a witch playing the pipes, book-ending the performance which had begun with an impressive drumming piece by the whole cast.

Genuinely enjoyed this, which I didn’t think I would say about Macbeth. Nice one Eve.

Brixpig x

Bit of monologue for ya:

She should have died hereafter;
There would have been a time for such a word.
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing. — Macbeth (Act 5, Scene 5, lines 17-28)