Macbeth
The National Youth Theatre adapt Macbeth for a World War I setting
Macbeth
Playing in rep with Selfie and Private Peaceful
Macbeth
The National Youth Theatre adapt Macbeth for a World War I setting
Why see Macbeth?
This electrifying update of the infamous Scottish Play is set in an unstable Europe during the approach of World War One, with the tormented Macbeth now in the role of the infamous German Kaiser. We see the play with new eyes from behind the enemy's lines, as Kaiser Macbeth's outrageously wicked actions and paranoia lead to the fall of his empire.
Commemorating the centenary of the start of WW1, this new adaption of arguably Shakespeare's darkest plays brings new understanding and poignancy to both. This play forms part of the 2014 NYT Rep season alongside Selfie and Private Peaceful.
The National Youth theatre was founded in 1956 and remains the longest running youth theatre in the world, nuturing new talent amongst the UK's acting talent. They are well-known for adapting old classics to reflect more modern times, such in the case og Selfie, a modern-day retelling of Dorian Gray, and a post-anarchic version of Romeo and Juliet set in South London.
Former NYT alumni include Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Colin Firth, Rosamund Pike, Daniel Day-Lewis, Orlando Bloom, Catherine Tate, Sir Ben Kingsley, Ashley Jensen, Sir Derek Jacobi, Timothy Dalton, David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Hugh Bonneville and Matt Smith.
Key Information
Audience
Suitable for ages 12+
Run Time
One hour 45 minutes with intermission
Dates
Finished 29 Nov 2014
Creative
Directed by Ed Hughes
Assistant Director - Alice Knight
Designer - James Button
Assistant Director - Alice Knight
Designer - James Button
Reviews
Customer reviews
Jim & Christine
Fantastic
Went to see Macbeth on Saturday evening.Absolutely
loved the play and the adaptation. We came out
exhausted as if we had been through the wars ( in
a good way ).Don't know how the cast are still
standing after that. All of the cast were
fantastic with a special mention of Lady Macbeth ,
Mcduff and of course Macbeth, played by James
Macavoy,absolutely first class acting.
Just a little mention about afterwards. We also
saw some of the cast in a pub afterwards,
including Mr Macavoy. We didnt impose and asked at
the right time (when James was at the bar,)if when
it was suitable could we please have some pictures
taken.Not a problem, James Macavoy and some of the
other cast came over for photos and signed
programmes,absolutely brilliant.Really nice guy as
were all the other cast members. ... Read more
kerri @ www.hivehousefilms.com
I dare do all that may become a man
Go see it! Talk to those that have seen it! And relish in theatre at
it's best.
A post-apocalyptic, gritty vision of the greed and violence of
man/woman. A captivating performance by each and every cast
member. The sheer energy and force to deliver this every day must
be recognised and applauded. The visual FX and art direction
choices didn't distract, they added to the horror, self-realisation
and journey that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth partake.
Go, be a part of it. Question yourself and please please do not
complain about the seating, heating or audience placement. Think
of when an audience stood in the cold elizabethan theatres. Where
there were none of the spoils and luxuries of today. You couldn't
sit there eating a packet of maltesers for the first ten minutes!
(That goes out to the man in row B!)
And don't take pictures of the cast out for a drink afterwards.
They've consumed, lived and walked a ravenous character for 3
hours! Buy them a drink and walk away!!!
... Read more
waabkwe
Extraordinary Macbeth
Macbeth is not my favourite play, though I have seen it many times. This has to be the greatest production which I have seen. The claustrophobic set reminded me of the film "Downfall" and Macbeth's increasing insanity therefore of the fall of Hitler. Lady Macbeth was particularly strong and her deterioration especially poignant. The psychological tensions were brought out significantly. I left the theatre completely emotionally drained by the experience. I would strongly recommend this to anyone serious about theatre. One problem for me is that I hate loud sound effects and being set in a war zone, there were plenty of these. ... Read more
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