NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE

Directed by Ed Hughes

Sat 13 September 2014 - Sat 29 November 2014

Something wicked this way comes

 

Shakespeare’s darkest tale of paranoia and ambition is given a unique twist in this electrifying adaptation directed by Ed Hughes.

 

Set within an unstable Europe in the lead up to the First World War, our tragedy takes us behind enemy lines as a tormented Macbeth’s severe intentions lead to dire consequences. As empires rise and fall, this new take on a Shakespearean classic will echo present day divisions to thrilling effect.

 

Ambassadors Theatre

West Street, London WC2H 9ND

 

CREATIVE TEAM

Directed by Ed Hughes

Assistant Director: Alice Knight

Designer: James Button

Movement Director: Andrea Pelaez

Composer: Jim Hustwitt

MACBETH REVIEWS

 

"Macbeth is a model of clarity, brevity and strong classical acting. The director Ed Hughes applies a concept to it with intelligence and purpose, setting it on the eve of the First World War. Just as those events, precipitated by an assassination, led to a global war, so Macbeth begins with Macbeth's murder of King Duncan to take the throne of Scotland - and an inexorable tragedy unfolds culminating in civil war.

The production is staged with uncluttered urgency on a stage that's mostly bare except for surrounding grey curtains. Atmosphere and changes of location are swiftly provided by Adam Povey's lighting design.

Instead, the focus is entirely on the young actors here, who handle Shakespearean language with complete fluency and command, with superb performances from Jeremy Neumark Jones as Macbeth, Sophie Dyke as Lady Macbeth, Grace Chilton as Porter, and Dominic Grove as Duncan."

MARK SHENTON Whatsonstage

 

Ed Hughes’ concise adaptation offers up the best of the bunch for the season, the bold thematic vision working well and releasing the play from any dusty RP connotations. From the outset as Grace Chilton borrows the spirit of Alan Cumming’s iconic Emcee to the haunting presence of Lady Macbeth’s ghost during a key moment, Hughes’ liberating attitude (he also directs) makes this a rapid-fire success which pays its own tribute to the WWI anniversary as well as crackling with youthful energy... Go at once.

There Ought to Be Clowns

 

"I’m somewhat ashamed to say that this was the first time that I had seen a production by the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain. What I can say with certainty, is that it won’t be my last. Macbeth was a triumphant and vibrant success fuelled by the energy of the young and highly talented cast. "

Reviewing Shakespeare