Macbeth, Guildford Shakespeare Company - ★★★★ - Until February 29, 2020


Striking and beautifully lit tableaux abound in this vivid production of Macbeth directed by Charlotte Conquest with lighting by Mark Dymock. Even though only a relatively small performing area is used, the height and depth of the rest of the church bring an added, suitable grandeur to the dark proceedings. The omnipresent and malevolent witches are truly scary as they creep and crawl menacingly around Neil Irish's rather raggle-taggle set. Escalating insanity and paranoia drench Jack Whitam's performance and this patently weak Macbeth is definitely in the thrall of a powerful wife. At times, he seems rightly terrified by what is happening around him and his descent to defeat has a clear inevitability. Whitam's delivery is excellent and Stella Taylor's Lady Macbeth is also beautifully and regally articulated. She does a fine job of displaying the manipulative woman's naked ambition. The sleepwalking scene was exceptionally effective. The murder of Macduff's family is appropriately horrific, and Nathan Ives-Moiba (Macduff) suffers his loss nobly. Dan Krikler's immaculately spoken Malcolm along with Lucy Pearson's frightening First Witch stand out among the small ensemble. Unfortunately, the acoustics in the church occasionally obscure some louder passages of the play. However, once again Guildford Shakespeare Company shines as the blood continues to flow.

 Reviewed by D.S.J.

  Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until February 29, 2020
Mon - Sat: 7:30 pm, Wed & Sat: 2:30 pm
Holy Trinity Church, Guildford High Street
Nearest station: London Road Station
https://www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk/macbeth-2020/
Map & Location: High St, Guildford GU1 3RR, UK

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