Shakespeare’s Macbeth continues to cast a dark and enduring spell over its audiences even in today’s climate. It is an epic story about the ravaging consequences of unbridled ambition and power in a world where virtue and vice are entwined.

Tackling this play therefore, with its moral complexities, dense language, and non-linear narrative is an achievement in itself. The Genesian Theatre embraces this with creative risks, yielding a non-sequitur that swings between tradition and experimentation, with mixed results.

Set against a stormy Scottish sky, the stark set provides a haunting backdrop that mirrors the play’s dark themes. The open configuration of jutting poles and boxes with a monochromatic palette evokes a sense of bleakness and conflicted mortality, effectively underscoring the timeless struggles of the human psyche.

Director John Grinston’s vision for Act 1 of Macbeth is rooted in the Elizabethan style, embracing minimalism and letting Shakespeare’s words take centre stage. This classical approach evokes a sense of reverence, with formal entrances and exits, grand hand gestures, and the flourish of drums and bugle fanfares. Traditional lighting cues, blackouts, dramatic shadows, and spotlights add depth, culminating in the production’s strongest moments.

The tone shifts dramatically in Act 2, with ad hoc avant-garde choices that stand in direct contrast with the classical style of Act 1. This change of direction, designed to mirror Macbeth’s descent into madness, unfortunately provokes bemusement or bewilderment, rather than unease, which in turn dilutes the production’s intensity and momentum needed to draw out the unmasked truths and tragic descent central to Macbeth’s raw emotional arc.

The diverse cast, comprising of both emerging artists and seasoned veterans, infused the stage with fresh energy and conviction. Although some of the subtle emotional exchanges that help build relationships were lost in this production (due to the directorial decision to have the actors project mainly outwards), the entire ensemble deserves praise for their excellent diction, volume and character development. 

Jack Taylor portrays Macbeth’s transformation from noble hero to ruthless tyrant with a strong presence and commanding stature, focusing more on the external aspects of power. While there are quieter moments that suggest a more tortured and layered man, Taylor only hints at this complexity, leaving the audience to imagine the darker recesses of Macbeth’s corrupted mind.

Yvette Gillies delivered a subtly seductive performance as Lady Macbeth, gliding across the stage with a unique Scottish brogue. Her expressive hands eloquently conveyed the growing turmoil simmering beneath the surface, while her intense gaze captured the character’s passion and determination, leaving a strong impression.

Together, Taylor and Gillies offered glimpses of the toxic dynamic between this iconic power couple, revealing some of the rotten core of their relationship. However, to fully capture the corrosive intensity of their partnership, a grittier, gutsier connection is needed to raise the stakes.

Banquo’s unflinching regard in Dimitri Armatas’s portrayal serves as a rich counterpoint to Macbeth’s betrayal and descent into madness, conveying both intensity and an unspoken exploration of morality and loyalty. Jono Lukins delivered a standout performance, intuitively grasping the nuances of Shakespeare’s demands and bringing heart and pathos to the production as Ross, poignantly conveying the devastating impact of Macduff’s family’s slaughter.

Julia Burns, Poppy Cozens, and Jasna Mars cast an unsettling spell as the marvellously named Weird Sisters, using a mesmerising blend of hand and arm movements. The much-anticipated ‘Toil and Trouble’ scene didn’t quite take flight due to an odd scene transition choice. A tone more in tune with Act 1 could have captured its dark power, propelled the story forward, and enhanced its payoff. However, when these three fiend-like witches’ chants harmonised and resonated in unison, they created a striking, otherworldly effect.

For those seeking a Shakespearean experience with a dash of the strange and unexpected, look no further. Tradition remains, but this production takes several steps sideways. While it may not capture all of Shakespeare’s intricacies, the enthusiastic response on opening night suggests it resonated, particularly with younger audiences. Some may find certain moments puzzling, but others will embrace the avant-garde provocation. Just don’t expect a typical take on Macbeth.