Macbeth

Macbeth at Ambassadors Theatre

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

Reviews

Customer reviews

A Lynch

Thought provoking

I enjoyed the production. A dystopian, grime production of Macbeth. Yes, the distinct regional accents were noticeable at the start - got you thinking what area was being left out (Bristol and Birmingham )or whether it was a BBC directive for hiring presenters... I was slightly disappointed by the lacklustre intonation by some of the weird sisters. However, Kinnear and Duff were good. I also liked Alana Ramsey, Michael Balogun and Trevor Fox. The dystopian set and clothing didn't bother me (apart from the nylon red trousers - horrible shade of red and looked nasty to wear) Also, Malcolm, please, please, put the carrier bag down (at the end) before your speech - it looks like you've just been to Sainsbury's. Go and see the production for the actors' performances which will only get better ... Read more

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
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