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7 October 2026
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4****
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In recent years, Sun and Moon Theatre have confined themselves to the more light-hearted of plays in the Shakespeare canon – The Winter’s Tale notwithstanding. The Company’s brand is one of clarity in the telling of the story and being true to the original with some tweaks and minor liberties along the way. It is an approach which has endeared them to many. Taking Macbeth under their wing must, therefore, be something of a gamble and one which, largely, pays off really well.
This is an engrossing production. Slimmed down, as is their style, seven actors take on over twenty roles and tell the story of ambition, jealousy, revenge and madness with vigour and elements of original thinking which stop you in your tracks.
Ancient and modern worlds are brought together – the mobile phone sits alongside the sword and dagger – the elegant wine-filled chalice with the mug of tea. From the start the oft-discussed subject of Lady Macbeth’s possible miscarriage/s is made a central theme – the funeral of a child sets a tone throughout and rears its head again later in the play. The domestic life of the Macbeth’s is central to the production.
A bare stage allows the action to flow swiftly from scene to scene and with excellent lighting and a really inventive and effective soundscape, the atmosphere is well created. The supernatural aspect of the play is largely illustrated by the witches, their spells, potions and predictions – whether putting their words into the mouths of the newly dead – zombie-like – works, is up for debate – it is initially too near the comic, but by the end of the play has become chilling.
In the title role, David Johnson, is completely dynamic and absorbing; his line-speaking is so clear and utterly believable as he lurches from confidence to timidity to an almost blasé approach to his certain death. Melissa Barrett creates a deeply unsettling Lady Macbeth; her grief, it seems, drives her desire for power – at any cost – almost from the word go, you feel she is on the edge of full sanity – there is an almost a gleeful approach to the killing of Duncan. The chemistry between the two is potent, it is raw and sexual at times – but you are never in doubt who wears the trousers. Now, to address the scene immediately following the murder of the King – as Macbeth enters, bloodied, holding the weapons, his wife is at a table with milk (a symbol of her own unused Mother’s milk?) and tea bags…. “I’ll pop the kettle on” she says – not the Bard’s words – it obviously gets a laugh and breaks the tension – only for it to be ramped up again as they wait in silence while the pot boils. This doesn’t get a laugh, but creates an even deeper feeling of unease. It’s incredibly brave and so effective. The pair of actors, naturally, dominate proceedings, but they are well served by the other members of the Company.
Emerson Pike has enormous stage presence and as both Duncan and Macduff he holds the attention and the eye with the power of his movement and speaking. He also has a spectacularly bloody death scene. Sally Naylor is statuesque and nervy as Lady Macduff – here with two children – an older boy and a baby in a pram – as her murder takes place the baby is crying, it is unsettling and disturbing in equal measure. Richard Knox is both Banquo and the Porter – where he comes into his own, breaking the fourth wall and communing with the audience – it works perfectly! Sam Hunter has an excellent clarity in his voice and creates a growing self-confidence in Malcolm – though the ending hints at him being haunted from there on. And, finally, Jamie Hoskin moves easily from the nervy Ross to the vicious murderer with ease, completing a fine ensemble of performers.
The Barnfield Theatre does provide some challenges – the acoustics are far from good and, at times, it feels as if you have cotton wool in your ears. There is little complaint about the verse-speaking, but the actors are constantly facing a battle to be heard with the clarity they intend.
That being said, this is an innovative and well thought-through production which the Company have adapted well to their style, and it works. As creative companies go, Sun and Moon Theatre are always impressive and adding Macbeth to their repertoire only enhances their excellent reputation.
Cast
Melissa Barrett – Lady Macbeth, Seyton, Soldier
Jamie Hoskin – Ross, Siward, Third Murderer, Messenger
Sam Hunter – Malcolm, Young Macduff, Second Murderer, Soldier
David Johnson – Macbeth
Richard Knox – Banquo, Porter, Doctor
Sally Naylor – Lady Macduff, Captain, Fleance, Gentlewoman, Young Siward
Emerson Pike – Duncan, Macduff, First Murderer, Servant
