Macbeth
The Caxton Players
The Caxton Theatre
Grimsby
21 - 28 October 2023
The Scottish play is legendary amongst the thespian community worldwide and is a challenge for any who seek to bring arguably Shakespeare's most famous work to the stage. Director Cathy Bennet-Ryan brings this work to the stage of the Caxton Theatre and succeeds in creating an accessible and exciting production. With a few judicious amendments to the text in order to allow those unfamiliar with the language to understand what is happening, audiences will enjoy an updated performance of the tale of an ambitious yet traitorous murderer slaying his way to the throne.
A wonderfully simplistic set allows the cast to play as if on the battlements of a castle or in the middle of a dense forest with effective, oft times dramatic lighting indicating the shifting action. The hazy, red, rear wall serves as a reminder of the treachery at play and random splatters of blood across the side walls are a portent of things to come.
Macbeth and his companion, Banquo, meet three witches who offer eerie predictions of his future that seem far too outrageous to be true, and yet they sew the seeds of discontent with his lot in life, in Macbeth. Initially dismissed as unlikely nonsense the predictions begin to play out and Macbeth shares the prophecies with his wife, Lady Macbeth. Ambition and greed consume the pair and it is not long before they embark on a bloody spree of murder and deceit voraciously slaying all who stand in the way of their naked ambition. Therein lies the tale.
A relatively large cast, with many multi-rolling, bring this epic tale to life. I shall begin with those smaller roles and multi-roles for fear of missing someone deserving out. Connie Banks carries herself with poise and purpose in each role. Daisy Dodds makes a fiery son of Macduff and Lucy-Ann Jessop as his Macduff's daughter, doubles as an unfortunate messenger on the receiving end of some rough treatment from Macbeth.
Ryan Sowerby brings multiple characters to life but none better than his inebriated Porter. Claire Wright makes for a solid and dependable soldier as Menteith. Arnie Shelly is an imposing warrior in Lennox. Ruairidh Greig is a regal Thane of Ross. Michael Mayne plays the doomed King, Duncan along with a few smaller roles and brings his experience to bear on each part.
Though each of this production's three Witches portray other characters within the show, it is as the triumvirate which makes the most significant impression. Each clearly defined from the others by virtues of dress, action, and behaviour. Jack Scott's Witch is shrouded in mystery with only half a face (if that) emerging from beneath a hood, he stands, with staff in hand, and watches knowing all, yet invisible to the players upon the stage.
Susan Wheatley-Solley provides a more benevolent character, open and outwardly friendly, yet always as devious, cunning, and manipulative as her fellow Witches. Her delivery of Shakespearean dialogue is impeccable and her Witch is in stark contrast to her role as a gentlewoman.
Jess Howden appears more physical and more mischievous, with a decided air of menace as she flits around the stage relishing the chaos they have seemingly wrought, before her. She also portrays the doomed Lady Macduff and a messenger, yet it is her commitment to her role as a Witch that truly marks out her skill as a performer.
Molly Charnley, as the true heir to the throne, Malcolm, is an upright, and honest individual who acts pragmatically before choosing to take on Macbeth and his army, ultimately recapturing the crown. Josh Wainwright is a mighty Macduff, loyal to the crown and driven by rage upon the slaughter of his family at the order of Macbeth, who rightly demands audience attention whenever he appears.
As Banquo's companion and loyal lieutenant, Banquo, Louise Blakey provides a solid and dependable warrior, wronged by the actions of him who he trusted. It is in his non-corporeal form that Blakey's Banquo really makes an impact in this play though in a scene hauntingly suitable for Halloween later this month!
Providing the motivation through manipulation, it is Gemma Dodds' ambitious and later crazed, Lady Macbeth who pushes her husband to commit his darkest deeds. Her thirst for power shines through as a woman who feels that she has still to achieve her greatest station in life, and yet when she does so she is inadequately equipped to handle the pressure. Finally, John Fergusson leads the company in the demanding and exceptionally wordy role of the traitor, Macbeth. This is a role which demands so much of any performer willing to accept it and Fergusson copes wonderfully with the language and the emotion required. He brings a physicality to his portrayal of the would-be King and struts and strides upon the stage as a commanding presence. His treachery and angst are apparent to all and his descent into madness, through misplaced self-belief are portrayed really well.
For those who may worry that this production may not be for them, I would suggest that you give it a try. You may well be surprised by the accessible nature of the show and impressed by the epic sweep of the production with its effective staging coupled with winning performances. The play opens on Saturday 21 October and runs until Saturday 28 October. Tickets are still available online and through the usual outlets.
Andy Evans 18 October 2023
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