REVIEW: Macbeth - a chilling masterclass
It was a Christian commentator who pointed out that the genius of Shakespeare is in his portrayal of the human experience. In this, his most bloody and fearsome tragedy, the dark side of human ambition is laid bare.
Jesus once challenged his disciples: “What good is it for a man to gain the whole wide world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” (Luke 9:25). The story of Macbeth is the story of such a man.
The set is minimalist: a sink, a fridge and a great clanking service lift used with great dramatic effect for entries and exits. At first it resembles a field hospital, where a dying sergeant brings news of Macbeth’s bravery on the front line. When he dies, the three nurses attending him are revealed as the weird sisters who proceed to taunt Macbeth with prophecies of kingship.
Then the set becomes the kitchen of Macbeth’s castle, where preparations are being made to welcome King Duncan and where, goaded by his young, attractive wife, Macbeth plots to make the weird sisters' words come true.
Patrick Stewart is superb as the heroic but fatally ambitious Macbeth, who is seduced, ensnared and finally destroyed by his own lust for power. And he is supported by an excellent cast. Kate Fleetwood (Lady Macbeth) is particularly compelling in the famous sleepwalking scene, as she douses her hands in bleach in a desperate attempt to make them clean again.
Also moving is the scene in which Macduff (Michael Feast) learns that his wife and children have been murdered. He is silent for what seems like an age and it seemed the whole audience held its breath as he struggled to take in the news.
The action moves at cracking pace and is complemented by black and white film footage - a heart monitor beats noisily in the first scene, goose-stepping soldiers march past as Macbeth is declared King ...
There are surprises too (which I don’t want to spoil). It all adds to a chilling and masterly production, which keeps you on the edge of your seat and stays with you long after the curtains close.
Macbeth at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester, West Sussex, runs until 1 September. Box office: 01243 781312
