On a recent trip to London, I visited the beautifully ornate Harold Pinter Theatre for one of the preview shows of the Shakespearean classic Macbeth.
The second, sold-out run of this modernised adaptation, originally staged at the Donmar Warehouse, saw David Tennant reprise his role as the titular Scottish King and Cush Jumbo as the infamous Lady Macbeth.
This chilling incarnation took the timeless tragedy to new lengths morphing it into a modern masterpiece.
Upon entering the theatre, we were instructed to wear headphones, revolutionising the general confines of the stage and allowing the actors’ mere whispers to be heard throughout the auditorium.
Sound quality can often let down a performance, making this feature all the more innovative.
This also allowed great freedom within the representation of different characters, for example, the witches’ sinister absence, instead having the theatre blackout when they spoke, truly exaggerating their eerie, otherworldly presence.
Other beautiful aspects of this show included a live Celtic folk band, which enhanced the atmosphere and setting of the play.
A highly recommended watch for all avid theatre-goers.
What was especially interesting to see was the musicians were visible on stage, also doubling as ensemble members, yet were separated from the action by a glass screen when playing.
Throughout the play, one thing I noted to be especially poignant was the use of an entirely monochromatic palette, excluding the harsh tones of red, only broken for the plays final scene when restoring the natural order of society.
This was encompassed through the literal appearance of nature seeming to spread for miles behind the separating glass, upon Macbeth’s defeat.
An truly incredible theatrical experience and a must watch for avid theatre goers.
It's original run at the Donmar Warehouse will also be broadcast in cinemas for February 2025.
