Tag: macbeth

REVIEW: Macbeth

Published on by Antonia Constantin2 Comments

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

V&L production’s innovative storytelling of Macbeth at The Jack Studio, despite its shortcomings, is a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare’s work and the boundless creativity of those who seek to reimagine it. While the rapid pace format may not offer a definitive answer to its purpose, it nevertheless provides a unique and thought-provoking interpretation of a timeless classic.

“Macbeth” at The Jack Studio Theatre in Brockley is an attractive exploration of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy set in a near post-apocalyptic future, where the remnants of a society in survival mode fight for power and succession. Reimagined by Vince Mathews and Liz Love for V&L Productions, this is an abbreviated version of the classic play. Brought down to only 75 minutes, the production delivers some memorable moments. However, at times, it feels like it sacrifices a more profound exploration of ambition, guilt, and fate that defines the play in support of a rapid-fire approach. While the dystopian setting and innovative staging add an intriguing layer to the narrative, they cannot fully compensate for the loss of those heavy moments that give “Macbeth” its timeless tone.

From the moment the audience enters the intimate space of The Jack Studio, they are exposed to a palpable sense of dystopia, as if trapped within the confines of a desolate bunker. The props function as echoes from a world now gone. The light is dimmed just right. The pace of the play is fast, the speeches are delivered with speed, as if mirroring the frenetic energy of a society in freefall. 

Central to the production is the evolving dynamic between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, portrayed with chilling intensity by Vince Mathews and Rosa Gensale. What begins as a power-hungry alliance gradually, but quickly devolves into a depiction of abuse, with Macbeth’s descent into tyranny reflected in scenes of almost physical violence towards Lady Macbeth. The production could have benefited from a more in-depth exploration of this psychological angle.

The witches, portrayed as three enigmatic figures cloaked in hospital scrubs, project a haunting presence. Their involvement in Macbeth’s rise to power is not merely symbolic; it is visceral and tangible. They are not mere illusions and deceptions of a diseased mind, but entities that interact physically with Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, engaging in a palpable ritualistic exchange.

Amidst the chaos and bloodshed, a silent yet omnipresent character commands attention: the throne, central to the set.  Symbolizing the corrupting allure of power, it stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of the human spirit in the face of unchecked ambition. Behind it, a canvas screen serves as a portal for the supernatural elements of the story to manifest, casting eerie shadows that dance across the stage like spectres from a world gone mad.

Worth mentioning are also the performances of David Martinez as Macduff and Reece Lewis as Banquo. The portrayal of their characters would have benefited from additional time to explore their psychological complexities and to allow the audience to immerse deeper into the world of Macbeth, 

V&L production’s innovative storytelling of Macbeth at The Jack Studio, despite its shortcomings, is a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare’s work and the boundless creativity of those who seek to reimagine it. While the rapid pace format may not offer a definitive answer to its purpose, it nevertheless provides a unique and thought-provoking interpretation of a timeless classic.

In Conversation with Macbeth’s Mike Noble

Published on by Tabitha JamesLeave a comment

Macbeth arrives at Oxford Playhouse from Tue 12 to Sat 16 March and is directed by the Artistic Director & CEO of English Touring Theatre Richard Twyman. It is theatre company’s first international production since the pandemic. It travels to Oxford after previews last year at Shakespeare North Playhouse in a design unique to its space. 

We spoke to Mike Noble who plays the titular character of Macbeth.

  1. Macbeth has been a big hit on tour and is now coming to Oxford Playhouse, what can you tell us about the show?

This is a really fun, dynamic, entertaining and modern telling of Macbeth which focuses heavily on the relationship between him and his wife. It’s a very domestic setting where we explore what happens when the violence of war invades the home.

  1. This is a modern reworking of Shakespeare’s tragic play, what differences can audiences expect from ETT’s production? 

Well, it’s modern dress, we use a lot of video and music to underscore and support the storytelling. There have been some cuts and edits in order to highlight certain elements but it’s all the same dialogue, themes and story. I guess it’s only really different in the sense that every production of this incredible play is different from the other. There is no one way to tell it which is why it has stood the test of time. 

  1. The production has been described as ‘Succession meets Fleabag’, what can you tell us about this version of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth that we will see on stage? 

I think that was an interesting quote in that Fleabag uses direct audience address just like Shakespeare does with his Soliloquies and Succession obviously has echoes of King Lear, Macbeth, a bunch of the tragedies really. It’s cool that people are noticing and finding our show as relatable as these big hit TV shows.

I think the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is central to the success of the play. We need to believe in them as husband and wife, deeply in love with a rich, shared history who will literally do anything for each other. I think in the best versions of the play you find yourself rooting for them first and being repulsed by them second and hopefully our production achieves that.

  1. It looks like a unique setting for Macbeth, what can you tell us about the visuals of the show?

We use live video feeds throughout the show that hopefully give the audience different perspectives on the inner workings of the characters. Some of it is CCTV showing private conversations which are laid bare or spied upon in a paranoid surveillance state. I think it makes for a feast visually and always keeps the audience as engaged and immersed in the characters as possible. 

  1. What has surprised you most working on this production?

This is my first time working on a Shakespeare play and I finally get it. There is no definitive idea, no definitive telling – I literally learn and unlock something new every week, every show. It’s an unbelievable pleasure and privilege to perform.

  1. What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Macbeth?

What are you waiting for?

HIGHLIGHT: Watch ‘What Must Be Done’

Published on by Tabitha JamesLeave a comment

James Beeny and Gina Georgio of Toy Soldier Productions present West End star Kerry Ellis performing Lady Macbeth’s ‘What Must Be Done’ from their new musical LADY M.

Watch What Must Be Done from the new musical here.

Based on Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’, LADY M tells the untold story of Lady Macbeth. Chilling flashbacks of her haunted past are woven into this reimagining of the famous tale of murder and power, revealing an original backstory to Lady Macbeth’s villainy and downfall.

Created, adapted, and written by Beeny and Georgio, the sung-through musical features a modern score with original music and lyrics.

‘What Must Be Done’ has been produced by Beeny and Georgio alongside Rik Simpson, Coldplay’s multi-Grammy Award-winning producer (Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, Mylo Xyloto, Ghost Stories, A Head Full of Dreams, Everyday Life).

LADY M recently underwent a second development workshop in London, directed by Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy and choreographed by Lizzi Gee. The workshop cast included George Blagden, Phoebe Fildes, Robert Hands, Jamie Muscato, Maiya Quansah-Breed, and Karl Queensborough.

Kerry Ellis is a star of the West End and Broadway with credits including being the first British Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked before transferring to Broadway playing the same role. She has also played Nancy in Oliver! at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Grizabella in Cats at the London Palladium, Meat in the original London cast of We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre and Ellen in the UK Tour of Miss Saigon. She has also enjoyed success as a recording artist including her album Wicked in Rock, part of a long standing collaboration with Queen guitarist Brian May.

Toy Soldier Productions is a British production company, founded in 2020 by musical theatre partnership James Beeny and Gina Georgio to develop and produce new, original work. With a background in the music industry, guitarist James and pianist Gina made their theatre debut with new British musical ‘The Dreamers’. In 2018 the production was presented for four fully staged workshop performances at the internationally famous Abbey Road Studios.  In 2020, James and Gina brought together The Frontline Singers, a choral group made up of key workers, who remotely recorded an original song. In 2022 the group performed on Britain’s Got Talent, receiving four ‘yes’ votes from the judging panel.