To the lovely and welcoming Hope Mill Theatre to see the all female/ non binary production of Macbeth, a collaboration between HER Productions, Hannah Ellis Ryan’s female led company, Girl Gang MCR, a creative collective, specialising in live inclusive and collaborative work and Unseemly Women, who stage an annual production of Shakespeare with a female and non binary cast.
Neither of us had seen a production of Macbeth before, but were aware of the story line and the plays reputation for violence, so came prepared.
The stage was unusually small in comparison with any previous productions we have been to here, so had a really intimate feel. Extra seating was arranged around the stage area too in contrast to previous, and the place was packed with a great air of anticipation.
There was a single item in the centre stage, which was used differently with clever lighting and sound for each scene and was incredibly atmospheric in many scenes. Plenty of moments the audience jumped!
The first scene was most striking, Lady Macbeth first seen in a state of great distress which seemed to captivate the audiences attention and really set the tone for the rest of the show.
We were gripped by the intrigue and shocked by the brutality of Macbeths behaviour to get what he wants. The witches really were compelling with their incantations and crazed dancing ( they even made an appearance in the audience at one point, to great delight ) and we were delighted to see them return each time.
The fight scenes were great, considering such a reduced space to co ordinate it in, they worked superbly.
The machinations of court and betrayals of friendship were portrayed very well, each scene demanded attention and led us along the tale, watching the paranoia and guilt consume Macbeth was incredibly powerful, as was the descent into madness of Lady Macbeth as they both suffer the consequences of their actions.
Ultimately they both pay the heaviest price of all with Macbeth’s severed head paraded triumphantly by his avenger.
We absolutely loved the production, there were some stunning performances, particularly by Elaine McNichol as Macbeth, Frankie Lipman as Lady Macbeth. The sound ( Hannah Bracegirdle ) and costume design ( Zoey Barnes ) were wonderful and we noticed lots of detail which added so much to the production.
Macbeth runs at Hope Mill until June 29th
It then goes to Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield July 2nd – 3rd
We also enjoyed savings at the bar with our money saving Canal St Card.
Christine Ince for Ancoats Plus
