By Jason Romney
Director: David Fenton
Venue: The Bell Shakespeare Company at the Comedy Theatre
Cast: John Bell, Anna Volska, Christopher Stollery, Ross David Sharp, John Murphy, Camilla Ah Kin, Essie Davis, Darren Gilshenan, Sean O'Shea, Gary Cooper, Julie Shearer, James Hagan, Simon Arlidge, Duncan Wass, Anthony Johnsen (JOHNSEN OK)
Set: Michael Scott-Mitchell
Synopsis: A husband and wife put ambition first
Rating: *****
This Macbeth production combines some compelling performances with a visual style reminiscent of Star Trek or even, on occasion, the gothic macabre of Peter Greenaway films.
There are some unforgettable images, not least being the huge smashed animal that appears with Banquo's ghost or the hideous space-age phials of the witches.
Puritans will undoubtedly baulk at director David Fenton and designer Michael Scott-Mitchell's modern aesthetic. It is distracting to have Shakespearian characters toting guns as well as swords - why don't they just shoot each other and be done with it?
The arguable strength of a space-age production (which also extensively trims the play's text) is that it will appeal to many young people.
You know: Macbeth is seduced by the Dark Side of the Force. Young Malcolm's challenge is just like Luke Skywalker's, and so on. Perhaps this trivialises Shakespeare - but it also reflects the fascinating interconnection of human story telling archetypes.
Whatever you may think of the space-age atmosphere, the main roles are dispatched with the strength and intelligence we have come to expect from the Bell Shakespeare Company.
John Bell as Macbeth, is somewhat restrained. This Macbeth is forceful and wily, yet without the full-throttle power of which Bell is capable when he chooses.
Anna Volska creates a peculiarly domestic Lady Macbeth - stripping back the traditionally raw energy and replacing it with the ambition and vulnerability of some kind of tupperware party queen.
Christopher Stollery as Macduff is too young for certain aspects of his role, but particularly in his chat with Malcolm about the kingly qualities, is highly entertaining.
John Murphy is an impressive Duncan and Ross David Sharp plays Banquo with much charm. The witches, however, although eminently chromy, lack real chill.
In short, this production puts the acting strengths of the company into harness with a bold visual design. Whether you choke on the modernism, or chortle with fond bemusement, will depend on your enthusiasm for Shakespearian experimentation.