Writer: William Shakespeare
Director: Robert Shaw Cameron
On an overcast summer’s evening, outdoor theatre is the perfect way to beat the heat – and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens along with The Duke’s Theatre Company have this totally figured out. Audience members arriving on time for the opening of the doors 45 minutes before the show might be surprised to find a queue as long as the main building of the Botanical Gardens, but it seems Birmingham audiences know what they want, and it’s Macbeth outdoors. Audiences are advised to bring something to sit on, possibly a blanket or some chairs. May this serve as a warning – 90% of the audience bring chairs, so blanket-bringers should hope for a hill or higher ground nearby in order to be able to see the show.
The Duke’s Theatre Company is a relatively new company, founded in 2021, but has already garnered the attention and acclaim to match some of the UK’s more established theatre makers. With a model that prioritises outdoor theatre and the presentation of Shakespeare, it seems they’re on the right track to be successful for a long time. This production of Macbeth showcases their professionalism and success, although it falls victim to some of the pitfalls of outdoor theatre and Shakespeare, which have scared other creators away in the past. It is, overall, an enjoyable and well-presented production which makes some new and interesting choices and is worth seeing.
Jessica Curtis’ design is a stark image against the green of the Gardens – three tall black platforms with red poles sticking out. These poles are a recurring symbol throughout the play, used as weapons, flagpoles, castle outposts, and all-too-important trees, they convey a simplicity of design and remind us that imagination is a powerful tool in live theatre. Similarly simplistic is the costume design – with every character dressed in different variations of militaristic black clothing, it becomes difficult to tell some characters apart, especially against the black staging. However, this production uses red ribbons to signify blood, which stands out drastically against the black and continues the simple yet effective theme.
Attendees familiar with Macbeth may notice one major difference in the way the witches are presented – instead of three of them throughout, they fluctuate in number and appearance. Amplified sound and microphones make this fluctuation possible, and make the outdoor space slightly more conquerable for the actor’s voices. However, in such a large space as the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the company’s microphones seemed to struggle and this made Lady Macbeth, in particular, more difficult to hear. With only seven actors in the whole cast, this ensemble has to work hard throughout the two-hour show. Each actor, apart from Macbeth, plays multiple roles, and they have to work together to keep the tempo of the show fast-paced, which is accomplished nicely by overlapping scene transitions. The only moments where the show loses its pacing are during the fights, where slow-motion sequences are added (accompanied by dramatic music) seemingly to heighten the drama, but rather steal the seriousness and allow room for audience giggles.
Although Macbeth and Lady Macbeth (Finnbar Hayman and Marilyn Nnadebe) have some moments of greatness, the highlight of the show is James Lavender. Lavender’s transition from a regal yet convivial King Duncan to the Porter is outstanding. The Porter is one of the more difficult clown roles in Shakespeare, and Lavender makes it laugh-out-loud hilarious, and so compelling that an audience member stood up as if to participate, which Lavender handled with care and wit. Edmund Morris as Banquo has an understated power and charm that makes him an excellent addition to this ensemble. William Marr’s multi-rolling between the limply ineffectual Malcolm and the lovable Fleance is an impressive show of skill, and Alasdair James McLaughlin’s Macduff is endearing and powerful – his “I must also feel it as a man” is a line to be remembered.
For fans of Shakespeare and newcomers alike, this production of Macbeth holds delight and surprise, and is a great way to spend our quickly depleting summer’s evenings. Grab a camping chair, pack a picnic, and pray you, remember the porter.
Tours until 30 September 2025
The Reviews Hub Star Rating
70%
Untraditional Traditional Shakespeare