Nothing Is But What Is Not - A New Version Of Macbeth

This new production of Macbeth fuses live performance with striking video technology.

We entered a new, threatening, Dog eat Dog world, a cosmopolitan city, constructed with 70 to 30 percent division between original text and new text with hints of the Russian, Italian and Japanese language.

“A daring, neon noir thriller where Shakespeare’s original language collides with startling new scenes, stunning visuals and a powder-keg intensity. ” The visuals are indeed stunning; there are disclaimers but do be aware that there is a great deal of flashing imagery in this production.

Coming out of the Covid pandemic imitating the dog could only afford five performers for their Macbeth adaptation; necessity is the mother of invention, and the production worked brilliantly with a tight team of five. Laura Atherton, Stefan Chanyaem and Matt Prendergast morphed effortlessly from portraying the three witches, narrating the story, into all the other characters. Tricksters who revelled in the chaos they created, and sent shivers down your spine as you watched them at work. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth were teenage street kids, (portrayed with great conviction by Benjamin Westerby and Maia Tamrakar) placed in a gangland world, where Duncan (the king in the original) was a Crime Lord. Macbeth was just a lowly punk kid who rose rapidly and violently through the ranks, with Lady Macbeth his partner in crime.

The technology used was cutting edge, and was like another character, Big Brother Is Watching You, with atmospheric music, sound ( James Hamilton ) and lighting ( Andrew Crofts ) all making this production a unique take on the original play.

Particular highlights were Banquo’s appearance at the feast, and, no spoilers, a surprise ending involving Lady Macbeth.

To quote co-artistic directors of imitating the dog, Andrew Quick, Peter Brooks and Simon Wainwright: “This adaptation has been pursued with great appreciation of the original, but it is a retelling. We have taken many liberties with the story and text…”

That is an understatement; if you decide to go to see this production, go with an open mind, and just go with the flow, appreciating the creative input and risk taking by the performers to enjoy a highly energised, innovative piece of storytelling.