Macbeth, Dock X London Review
Ralph Fiennes in Macbeth. Photo: Marc BrennerWritten by Bronagh for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.
Dock X in Canada Water has been transformed for a short space of time to play host to Macbeth, adapted by Emily Burns and starring the remarkable Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma. The audience walks through an installation including a burnt out car, soldiers, smoke and rubble, a warzone-esque setting not too different to the scenes being shown in the media at the moment, with buildings flattened and lives ruined. Scenes of destruction. We then enter the main space where this 400 year old play is brought to life once more.
Dock X is a big space, with quite a small stage area and a lot of seating. The seats are quite uncomfortable with limited legroom, so do bear that in mind when booking. The set itself, designed by Frankie Bradshaw, is in the style of a house front, with an extendable stage area for those bigger moments. We have walls that leak blood as the show goes on, and the obvious – a bowl of water for Lady Macbeth to wash her hands in. Part of me does feel like this is a missed opportunity to make use of such a big space, however, this is alleviated by the cast members walking through the audience too which really adds to the excitement.
Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma are exceptional as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, delivering an unmissable performance. Indira’s comedic timing is completely on point, and she steals the scene whenever she is on stage. She portrays a very ambitious, very excitable wife who also has a vulnerable side. Varma especially shines during the scenes where Lady Macbeth is deteriorating, stumbling around and trying to wash the blood off her hands. The sleepwalking scene is amazing to watch, with Varma entering the audience for some of the scenes. Fiennes is compelling as Macbeth, the erratic downfall being perfectly portrayed. He excels as the play goes on, delivering humorous lines with a deadpan expression, to madness overtaking him and right up until the final fight scene.
The supporting cast are also brilliant, with our Three Witches particularly standout characters. Played by Danielle Fiamanya, Lucy Mangan and Lola Shalam, the ‘Weird Sisters’ are placed centre stage in a rather iconic performance. Ben Turner as Macduff is another one who delivers absurdly well, particularly when the news of his wife and children’s murder is delivered. Turner portrays anger and heartbreak perfectly, in one stellar performance.
Let’s be honest. Shakespeare can be tough. We’re talking about plays that are hundreds of years old. However, they are still being performed up and down the UK and worldwide. Shakespeare was a language connoisseur, the writer of stories that have inspired modern day Disney movies. There has been production upon production of the Shakespeare classics and so they really need something to help them shine. This production of Macbeth may not bring anything ‘new’, but the wartime set up and the modern dress shakes things up and grabs your attention.
This production of Macbeth on a whole is polished and of such a high standard. The war torn setting is fascinating, and it really does work. This is one Shakespeare adaptation that should not be missed.
At Dock X until 30th March 2024
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
