There’s an electricity in the air as the Southern Cross Lawn is sold out to an audience buzzing with excitement as they await to see the tragic Shakespearean tale of Macbeth unfold under the stars. The drinks are poured and on this particular February evening we’ve all come prepared with blankets, jackets and even some beanies in the event that the Melbourne weather will turn colder on this summer eve.
The stage is set, and a shadowy castle looms on stage left. We are gently reminded to turn off all phones and not to use them throughout the play as the actor’s can see the audience faces. So once polite theatre etiquette is in place as it should be, smoke fills the entertainment space to create a haunting atmosphere and as the natural breeze blows, the witches enter to commence the tale.
For those who don’t know the story, Macbeth is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in the early 1600s. It was first performed in 1606 at the private court of King James I, then publicly in 1611 at the Globe Theatre in London. Set in medieval Scotland, it centres around kingship at the time and explores themes of power, ambition and uncertainty. It is believed Shakespeare wrote the play in hopes of teaching the royal family to be cautious in their ruling.
Macbeths’ downward journey spirals and tumbles across 5 acts of physical and psychological violence. It begins when as a proud Scottish nobleman he receives a prophecy from three witches telling him that he is destined to wear the crown. Driven then by ambition and encouragement from his wife, he kills King Duncan to take the throne. Then filled with guilt and the fear of being caught, he continues to murder mostly out of paranoia and the list of his enemies grows and his reign collapses.
As the witches cackle into the night and Macduff’s daughter’s innocent screams echo across the evening, the Melbourne weather seems to have decided to take up a role tonight and treats us to a wild wind that plays beautifully into the storm brought about by Macbeth and his wife. The sound effects add to our heightened senses, and director Glenn Elston has timed the sun set beautifully. As the stage darkens, so too do the hearts of the characters thrown into turmoil.
The Australian Shakespeare Company should be extremely proud of this production, with the entire cast delivering Macbeth with absolute passion. There is not a moment where these players do not believe who they are or what they are doing when performing, even when dripping with blood or smashing swords in battle. They are led by the incredible talents of Hugh Sexton as Macbeth, who displays a superpower of strength with every word spoken and such purpose in all of his actions. He is paired with Nicole Nabout as Lady Macbeth, who’s beautiful portrayal is just layer upon layer of superb skill. Together Sexton and Nabout are an unstoppable force, setting this show up on the top-tier. Jackson McGovern as Macduff is also outstanding and we believe his highs and lows, and in particular the anguish he feels when his wife and babes have been slaughtered. Johnny Light adds greatly to the stage in playing Banquo, leaving us with the most memorable hauntings.
One of the highlights of this evening includes the comic relief provided by Luke Lennox as the Porter, drunkenly comparing himself to gatekeeper of hell, urinating off a table and thigh high in fishnets. His timing is fabulous and delivery superb, making him a crowd favourite as evident by the loud applause and cheers during bows. Eleanor Timms was also one to be mentioned, playing her role as Macduff’s daughter with such sweet sincerity. Her cries for help made us truly face the horror that was unfolding, and if you were ever cheering for Macbeth – this was the moment you no longer supported him.
Within this production, the cauldron actually bubbles in toil and trouble, the castle rotates with ghosts, sparks really fly in the sword fights and Melbourne’s weather steps up to assist with the atmosphere! Perhaps this is not the case with the weather for every show, but tonight definitely powered up that final victorious scene. And there doesn’t seem to be a better place to host a phenomenal production of Macbeth.
With the outdoors being the perfect setting, and the costumes carefully patterned in a unique earthy tone, there are so many elements of the show that make it a wonderful experience to enjoy, visually, audibly, theatrically. It’s truly a floating dagger of a production, bringing you on stage magic with the crisp stabs of brilliant drama. It is calling out for you to grab your seat to see something amazing.
The Australian Shakespeare Company’s Macbeth is performing as part of Shakespeare Under the Stars at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Southern Cross Lawn until the 28th of February.
