MacBeth
Thursday I went to see MacBeth which is being played by Cheek By Jowl at the Barbican. I was looking forward to it a lot, it's a sell out and Cheek By Jowl have a great reputation. Sadly it was not good. In fact it was quite tedious. I've waited a couple of days to write about in case I was being unduly harsh and it softened in my memory.
It's a 'stripped back' production and has very little set and hardly any props. This is intended to emphasise the language and emotion of the play. It would if the acting were strong enough, it isn't. Will Keen's MacBeth is unconvincing and so wrapped up in his dilemma whether to murder or not that when he becomes blood thirsty and goes after Banquo and McDuff's family the shift in character is too big. Anastasia Hillie's Lady MacBeth seems to run everywhere and delivers her lines whilst panting loudly.
David Caves is the best thing about this production. His MacDuff is alive and believable.
Of course this is all just my opinion. I looked online for other reviews but couldn't find anything. Part of the fun of theatre is trying things out and learning from the experience so I can't say I regret going. I'm lucky enough to get to quite a few productions and there are bound to be a few disappointment.
Next week I've got Nation at the National Theatre and Shirley Valentine at the Menier Chocolate Factory to look forward to.
Cast:
Directed by Declan Donnellan
Design Nick Ormerod
Macbeth WIll Keen
Lady Macbeth Anastasia Hillie
MacDuff David Caves
Duncan/Doctor David Collings
Porter/Lady MacDuff Kelly Hotten
Malcolm Orlando James
Banquo Ryan Kiggell
It's a 'stripped back' production and has very little set and hardly any props. This is intended to emphasise the language and emotion of the play. It would if the acting were strong enough, it isn't. Will Keen's MacBeth is unconvincing and so wrapped up in his dilemma whether to murder or not that when he becomes blood thirsty and goes after Banquo and McDuff's family the shift in character is too big. Anastasia Hillie's Lady MacBeth seems to run everywhere and delivers her lines whilst panting loudly.
David Caves is the best thing about this production. His MacDuff is alive and believable.
Of course this is all just my opinion. I looked online for other reviews but couldn't find anything. Part of the fun of theatre is trying things out and learning from the experience so I can't say I regret going. I'm lucky enough to get to quite a few productions and there are bound to be a few disappointment.
Next week I've got Nation at the National Theatre and Shirley Valentine at the Menier Chocolate Factory to look forward to.
Cast:
Directed by Declan Donnellan
Design Nick Ormerod
Macbeth WIll Keen
Lady Macbeth Anastasia Hillie
MacDuff David Caves
Duncan/Doctor David Collings
Porter/Lady MacDuff Kelly Hotten
Malcolm Orlando James
Banquo Ryan Kiggell
