The now-resident theatre company at the Wycombe Swan staged an intriguing production of Shakespeare's famous tragedy.
With a barren stage as a backdrop, the company of five doubled up to play each of the characters in macbeth.
Director mark Oldknow took on the title role, proving a strong lead with clear diction and conviction while murdering accomplice Carol Quelch gave a feisty performance as the resolute Lady who would stop at nothing to stop her husband crowned as King.
Indeed, all the cast were strong performers ensuring nothing of the play was lost on the audience. Experimenting with the text by changing the order of the scenes worked well and gave the play some added pace. Mind you, it did mean some important [stages?] were missed out.
What I enjoyed most about the production was Iain Bell's lighting and [ ??? ] which added a mysterious quality while the finely choreographed fight added excitement.
The character distinctions were at times a bit woolly, leaving the audience confused as to who the actor was portraying .
Nevertheless, the interpretation managed to stay true to the great bard's poetry and passion.
Nigel de Sousa.