Macbeth

Shakespeare’s Macbeth has arrived at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton, bringing one of the playwright’s most famous and darkest tragedies to the theatre’s unique stage. It’s a story packed with ambition, power and betrayal, and seeing how different productions choose to tackle Shakespeare is always interesting, especially when they take a more modern approach.

I studied Macbeth back at school (as did many others!), so it’s one of the Shakespeare plays I already knew the storyline for before going in. That definitely helped, because Shakespeare’s language can sometimes be tricky to follow if you’re hearing it for the first time. I’ve also seen a few adapted or modern takes on Shakespeare over the years and I always enjoy seeing how directors bring these classic stories to life in a different way. A modern setting can sometimes make the themes feel even more relevant, especially with a story like Macbeth, which is really about power and what people are willing to do to get it.

For anyone unfamiliar with the plot, Macbeth is about a Scottish soldier who is told by three witches that he will one day become king. Once he hears this prophecy, the idea of power starts to take over his thoughts. With encouragement from his wife, Lady Macbeth, he murders the current king to take the throne, but becoming king doesn’t bring the success he imagined. Instead, Macbeth becomes increasingly paranoid and fearful of losing power, leading him to commit more violent acts as the guilt and pressure begin to consume him.

The Octagon’s intimate staging works really well for a play like this as it brings the audience so close to the action. The set design had a very industrial feel with a stripped-back stage and minimal props, which kept the focus firmly on the acting and story. The costumes were modern which gave the production a contemporary edge, but it still had the dark and brooding atmosphere you’d expect from Macbeth.

The acting across the cast was excellent and really carried the intensity of the story. Oliver Alvin-Wilson (Troilus and Cressida, Dr. Strangelove, Hamlet) takes on the role of Macbeth and does a great job of showing his gradual shift from respected soldier to a man completely consumed by paranoia. You really see the character unravel as the play progresses, particularly as the guilt of his actions begins to catch up with him.

Alongside him, Jo Mousley (Grace Pervades, Hamlet, Coronation Street) is brilliant as Lady Macbeth. She captures the character’s ambition and determination early on, pushing Macbeth towards taking the crown, but also shows the cracks beginning to appear as the weight of what they’ve done becomes impossible to ignore.

Daniel Poyser (Nine Night, The Crucible, The Comedy of Errors) brings a strong and steady presence to the role of Banquo and acts as a great contrast to Macbeth’s descent into chaos. Simon Trinder (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Golden Ass, The Lion King) also delivers some powerful moments as Macduff as the story builds towards its dramatic ending.

As one of the most memorable parts of Macbeth, the Three Witches play a big part in setting the tone of the show, and Josie Morley (The Thankful Village, Pleasant Land, Virtual Horizons), Livie Dalee (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, National Youth Theatre, Twelfth Night) and Deborah Pugh (Elmet, Oliver Twist, Jekyll and Kyde) bring an eerie and unsettling energy to these scenes. 

This version is a condensed and modernised portrayal. The key plot points are all there, though some parts are alluded to and not played out on stage as you might expect - Lady Macbeth’s death being one of them. It doesn’t impact the flow or pace, and the show felt fairly streamlined considering the original is a fave-act play.

One thing I would recommend before seeing Macbeth is having a quick read of the plot beforehand, especially if you’re not overly familiar with the story. Shakespeare’s language can sometimes be difficult to follow and it’s easy to lose track of what’s happening if you’re hearing it for the first time. Knowing the basics before you head to your seat helps you follow along and really appreciate what the actors are doing on stage.

Macbeth at the Octagon Theatre is an engaging modern take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. The performances are excellent, the staging works brilliantly in the space and it still delivers the dark atmosphere you’d expect from the story. If you enjoy Shakespeare or are curious to see a contemporary interpretation of one of his most famous plays, this production is definitely worth checking out.


WE SCORE MACBETH...