SHAKESPEARE REBORN: A DYNAMIC AND MODERN TAKE ON MACBETH

By Natasha U’Ren-Ashdown | @tasha.ua ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

This innovative adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, directed by Richard Twyman, breathes new life into the classic story in a way that was perfectly different to what I was expecting. While staying true to the original plot, filled with themes of power, murder, and the supernatural, it cleverly integrates modern elements which makes the play feel fresh and exciting. For instance, Lady Macbeth receives a phone call from Macbeth discussing his prophecy of becoming king, which seamlessly blended Old English and modern phrases, like “you get me”, which was hilarious and made the play that much more relatable.

Lois Chimimba’s portrayal of Lady Macbeth was nothing short of mesmerising. From her commanding pitch to her perfect pace and sharp interactions, she completely owned the stage. Her performance was so captivating, I couldn’t help but be drawn to every word she spoke. She is an undeniable talent, and after seeing her in this role, I couldn’t resist exploring more of her work. Alex Austin’s Macbeth was the perfect counterbalance to Lady Macbeth’s controlled demeanour, and added just the right touch of lightness and humour, which elevated the dynamic between them. The entire cast, especially Bella Aubin, truly impressed me with their seamless delivery of Old English as if it were second nature.

One of the standout features of this production was the lively audience interaction. Ross, played by Sophie Stone, was a true delight, staying in character while dancing and joking with the crowd, creating an energetic atmosphere. Sophie, being deaf in real life, incorporated sign language into her performance, alongside others, which was a beautiful and meaningful touch. It was a lovely way to reflect the diversity of society. Of course, walking away knowing the sign for “murder” might not be something you need in daily life—unless your life leans more on the illicit side!

The creative use of live videography added another layer to the performance, fully immersing the audience into Macbeth’s troubled visions and battles. The ghost scenes, brought to life with video projections, were particularly stunning and imaginative. Instead of a physical ghost on stage, the haunting imagery was layered onto the walls, offering a striking visual experience that brought a whole new dimension to Macbeth’s spiralling delusions. It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen in live theatre, and it was executed with such taste and originality.

If you’re searching for a fresh, bold take on Shakespeare’s work that doesn’t sacrifice the integrity of the original play, this show is an absolute must see. The brilliant cast, combined with the innovative videography (seriously, it blew me away), gives you a compelling reason to book your ticket now!

Macbeth is running at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre until Saturday 29 March.

Content guidance: Murder, Infanticide, Blood, Vaping, and Violence against women.