Macbeth, Wilton's Music Hall - ★★★★★ - Until February 8, 2020


Paul Hart's thrilling production of Macbeth fits perfectly onto Wilton's split level stage and looks spectacular in Katie Lias' looming design and Tom White's lighting. Some drastic cutting of Shakespeare's text excludes the witches as such but their supernatural presence is always felt. Turning the Macbeths' castle into a sleazy hotel is an original idea and is well developed. Any production of Macbeth stands or falls on the protagonists, and here we have a slightly different take on their relationship. Emma McDonald's well spoken glamourous hotel/bordello owner certainly exuded sexuality, but for once we felt that it was Macbeth himself who was the instigator of the catastrophe. Billy Postlethwaite's charismatic, edgy, gangling thane speaks the words with great intelligence; we almost felt that he could rule alone. Music from The Rolling Stones to Johnny Cash illuminate the play and the multi-talented ensemble of ten worked together superbly, especially following an unexpected last minute cast change. Several gender swaps seemed perfectly natural especially Robyn Sinclair's feisty Banquo. Duncan's murder is the best staged we've ever seen. The final battle is terrifically well choreographed and brings a thrilling evening to a tremendous conclusion. When it's as well done as this, small-scale Shakespeare remains unbeatable!

Reviewed by D.S.J.
Photo by Pamela Raith.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

Want to save on tickets? See our Tips page.

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until February 8, 2020
Tue - Sat: 7:30, Thu & Sat: 2:30 pm
Wilton's Music Hall
Nearest station: Tower Hill
http://wiltons.org.uk/whatson/609-macbeth

Most Popular

King of Pangea ★★ King's Head Theatre | Jun 7 - Jul 6, 2025

St. Martin in-the-fields: Lunchtime Concerts ★★★★ FREE

Intimate Apparel ★★★★★ Donmar Warehouse | Jun 20 - Aug 9, 2025

Stereophonic ★★★★ Duke of York's Theatre | May 24 - Oct 11, 2025

Edward Burra - Ithell Colquhoun ★★★★ Tate Britain | Jun 13 - Oct 19, 2025

The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs ★★★ Kiln Theatre | Jun 13 - Jul 12, 2025

Showmanism ★★★ Hampstead Theatre | Jun 18 - Jul 12, 2025

Evita ★★★★ The London Palladium | Until September 6, 2025

Summer Exhibition 2025 ★★★★ Royal Academy of Arts | Jun 17 - Aug 17, 2025

4.48 Psychosis ★★★★ Royal Court Theatre | Jun 12 - Jul 5, 2025

The City Life Magazine | Reviews & Ratings