Derby Shakespeare’s production of Macbeth brings a thrilling twist to the classic tale, embracing the chilling essence of gothic horror with a Dracula-inspired setting. With eerie visuals and a rich atmosphere, this interpretation pulls audiences into a world where ambition and darkness collide. It’s a bold reimagining, with a clear commitment to the vibes of the late 19th century.
Set in 1897, this version of Macbeth follows the rise and fall of a Scottish nobleman whose ambition drives him down a dark path. After receiving a prophecy from three mysterious witches that he will become king, Macbeth (E. Montgomery-Ashford), spurred on by his wife, Lady Macbeth (Zoe Grunnell), takes matters into his own hands, murdering King Duncan (Roger Whitting) to seize the throne. However, his newfound power comes at a price, as guilt and paranoia consume both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, leading them deeper into madness. As Macbeth’s tyranny grows, he faces mounting opposition, culminating in a rebellion lead by the vengeful Macduff and Duncan’s rightful heir, Malcom (Jake Soar).
As alway, Derby Shakespeare’s attention to visual storytelling shines through. The set and costumes, inspired by the Victorian gothic style, create an eye-catching immersive experience, transporting the audience to a mysterious shadowy world. From the family tartan to the atmospheric lighting, each detail adds to the moody ambience, while the music punctuates key moments with rising suspense and drama. The aesthetics of this production are very, VERY pleasing!
The cast, with the exception of a urinating Scotsman, embraced their natural accents — or opted for a midlands-inflected RP — which brought a sense of authenticity to the performance. This choice helped the audience connect more deeply with Shakespeare’s language. It was refreshing to see that the dreaded ‘Shakespeare voice’ — a stiff, overly formal delivery sometimes present in amateur productions — was seldom used, allowing the text to flow more naturally. However, the intensity of this dark interpretation meant that the dramatic angry tone stayed relatively high, leading to some moments feeling unnecessarily shouty.
A real highlight of this production lies in its interpretation of the witches, played by Alex Wrampling, Samantha Drake, and Iz Mary. Their zombie-like presence adds a new layer of menace, and the decision to have them actively participate in the murders is a stroke of genius — making them more than just ominous guides but true agents of chaos. The mark of a successful Macbeth often lies in how the three witches are used — and this is a twist that keeps the audience guessing and adds to the production’s dark allure.
Leading the cast, E. Montgomery-Ashford delivers an unconventional yet compelling and physically dynamic Macbeth. His portrayal subtly shifts from a confident warrior to a man unravelling under the weight of his own ambitions. Zoe Grunnell’s Lady Macbeth brings intensity, especially in her famous “Out damn’d spot” monologue. I’m not sure if the monologue was cut short or wether I just wanted more, but it left a lasting impact. Both Grunnell and Montgomery-Ashford were the perfect casting for this production.
The whole cast — leading, ensemble, and three talented young performers — brought a phenomenally enjoyable energy to the stage. It’s a pleasure to see a production that not only delivers a professional end-product but also embodies a deep commitment to fostering talent across all ages and experience levels. The dedication to inclusivity is evident, creating opportunities for everyone to thrive and shine.
Shakespeare is perhaps one of the most brilliant wordsmiths to have existed, with every line of text loaded with rich and delicious language for the audience to savour. However, a deeper dive into the nuances and dynamics of the text — and for some, work on delivering iambic pentameter and not emphasising rhyming couplets — could have made the story more accessible for those less familiar with the Bard’s work. Whilst the storytelling was engaging, a few audience members in the bar afterwards were seeking clarification on some key plot points.
Derby Shakespeare’s commitment to audience accessibility is another win for this production. With a professional BSL interpreter on stage and audio-description options, they’ve made sure that more people can enjoy this take on Macbeth. It’s a thoughtful addition that reflects the company’s dedication to bringing Shakespeare to a wider audience.
Further mentions go to Danny Duder (Banquo) and Roger Whitting (Duncan), who gave honest and believable portrayals of their characters. Of course a special mention to Tom Morley — of this parish — for his captivating mini-monologue in the opening scene. The cast’s dedication, paired with the backstage team’s hard work, ensured that the show ran smoothly — a testament to the effort that went into every aspect of this performance.
If you’re a fan of Shakespeare or simply love a touch of gothic flair, this Macbeth is a must-see. Running until October 26th, 2024 at the Repton 400 Theatre in Derbyshire, it’s a thrillingly dark and inventive take on one of the Bard’s most famous tragedies. Don’t miss your chance to experience a night where ambition meets eerie shadows and the supernatural lurks around every corner. Perfect Halloween viewing!
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