The Scottish play feels fresher than ever, standing loud and proud in a most perfect setting on the Thames.
There are roughly 400 productions each year of plays attributed to William Shakespeare. The universal themes of love, power and ambition are as relevant today as they were when first written. But few productions can offer an authentically Shakespearean experience. The Globe on London’s south bank is a rare exception. Strolling around this magnificent venue it’s sad that founder Sam Wanamaker didn’t live to see the venue open in 1997.
Although not on the exact spot of the original theatre, it’s an otherwise accurate representation with its galleries and yard surrounding the stage. Standing tickets can be snapped up for a tenner (even a fiver if you book early) and are great value for money. The excellent Swan public house is handily attached offering a strong traditional menu. Overlooking the Thames with a cool beer in hand it already feels like the perfect night out.
Once inside there is a strong feeling of a living museum. Only aircraft passing overhead give the slightest hint of modernity. For this production the company are dressed in modern attire and perform mainly on stage covered by a grand canopy. However, with an open setting they make full use of the space available. Strategically placed tree stumps provide a platform for characters to deliver their speeches.
The Scottish play is a testament to the corrosive effect of ambition and lust for power. For the uninitiated here’s the premise: three witches tell general Macbeth that he will be King of Scotland. Encouraged by his wife he targets the King and anyone else who gets in the way. But Macbeth’s creeping paranoia knows no bounds. Enemies are slowly gathering and the battle lines are drawn for a showdown. To elaborate further would be tantamount to a spoiler. The story constantly resonates and feels more familiar as it unfolds.
An enthusiastic company go about their task with gusto as two hours and twenty minutes pass in the blink of an eye. The imagery is cool with a distinctly urban flavour. The three witches are dressed in white boiler suits, affecting the look of a scene of crime officer which seems appropriate under the circumstances. They don elephant face masks and use blenders to mix their concoctions. Other actors double up in various roles and look like roadies for a rock band.
A brilliant cast led by Max Bennett, Mattie Houghton and Aaron Anthony pull out all the stops. But they are strangely overshadowed by the grandeur of their surroundings. The audience have come to see a Shakespeare play performed at the Globe, and the company of actors are part of that experience. So in some ways it’s harder to enjoy their performance outside the ensemble environment. That minor observation aside it was a thoroughly enjoyable production, full of vigour and sparky attitude.
Author: William Shakespeare
Director: Abigail Graham
Review by: Brian Penn
Playhouse Pickings 