Content warning: graphic but brief discussion of suicide

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has long been commended for its continued celebration of the works of the Bard himself. It is far too easy to examine a Shakespearian text and find it fixed within the 16th century when it was first performed. However, the RSC’s refreshing approach recycles the archaic dialogue and pairs it with a modern setting that is more digestible for the contemporary audience. Along with a delectable concoction of lighting, sound, staging, costume, props, and a highly talented cast, any performance at the RSC is guaranteed to leave you longing for your next visit.

This performance of Macbeth sees The Other Place theatre transformed into a pub-style scene. The audience, who encompass the stage, are invited in to be a part of the familiar setting complete with a tacky floral carpet and small bar area. The action takes place from all sides, as the actors integrate with the audience, expanding the stage’s boundary as they climbed up stairs, walked through aisles, and utilised the doors for dramatic entrances and exits alike. No space was left unused and tied with a limited set, the talent of the actors was enhanced as they captivated the audience’s attention throughout. 

Two standout performances were from Sam Heughan as the titular character and Lia Williams as Lady Macbeth, perfectly translated the dramatic decline of the tragic hero that led to his demise. Heughan delivered Macbeth’s soliloquies powerfully, captivating the audience as he unveiled his character’s façade to release his inner turmoil. Heughan’s finest moment on stage appeared following Macbeth’s murderous act of killing Duncan, the king, where he is found by two spotlights that is interrupted by a spinning fan. With the audience drenched in darkness, all focus remains on him, particularly his blood-soaked hands, that catch the intermittent bursts of light. Married with the tormented strain of Heughan’s performance, this darkness remains for the duration of the play, conveying Macbeth’s commitment to the dark path that leads to his downfall. 

Lia William’s portrayal of Lady Macbeth’s steep descent into madness and delirium is highly commendable. William’s takes the assertive and ambitious lady and strips her of all sanity, after her husband’s ambition takes their plans too far. In her final scene, Lady Macbeth haunts the stage, rubbing at imaginary blood stains on her hands. With unseeing eyes, she spirals into insanity, brutally hanging herself as the audience are helpless to intervene and watch as her flailing body slowly stills. 

This production of Macbeth is filled with haunting images, explosive performances, incomparable chemistry, and elements of the occult and the paranormal. The director, Daniel Raggett, has transformed one of Shakespeare’s darkest tragedies, and taken it a step further plunging the audience into a world of death and destruction. I highly recommend this production to those who wish to view a story told countless times before in a new light. I can assure anyone familiar with Macbeth will be pleasantly surprised with the creative angle this adaptation has taken.  

Rating: 5/5

Tickets to see Macbeth at the RSC are available to purchase here!

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