This is a text-only version of an article first published on Wednesday, 17 July 2013. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
Set against the outer walls of Oxford Castle, Tomahawk Theatre take on the task of staging one of Shakespeare's most notoriously challenging plays - and succeed, writes Imogen Phillips. One problem to overcome is the difficulty of presenting the supernatural, which is amplified by an outdoor setting, with little capacity for special effects.
As a result the atmosphere depends entirely on the acting, which is complemented by an electric guitar played just off to the right.
In many places this works.
The three witches are cut to one, clad in black skinnies, hoodie and army boots, who sings her prophecies to a taunting playground tune, and as Macbeth and Banquo join in, they combine the sense of a magic ring with that of living breathing characters.
However, when the later apparition of Banquo is realised by the actor slowly appearing out of a large metal barrel, the result is more comic than frightening. Another memorable moment is the porter (unrecognisably doubled by Joseph Adams, also Banquo), who drunkenly interrogates the audience on their enjoyment and understanding of the play, before stealing someone's drink and peeing against the castle wall.
This interlude provides light relief, and brings back any wandering minds, without breaking the flow of the tragedy. Whilst the lack of distinction between costumes (almost all the men are in army cargos) means that the beginning is a little hard to follow to anyone unfamiliar with the play, the chemistry between the actors is obvious and engaging - with particularly good performances from Macbeth (Craig Finlay) and Lady Macbeth (Jessica Reilly).
The staging, with screens made from rusted metal grills, is employed very effectively as the actors use them and other army boxes as percussion to portray battles.
And although some of the stage fighting feels half-hearted, the sudden halt in the music at Macbeth's death, which continues as his body is dragged off in silence, has the audience captivated.
All in all, at less than two hours, including an interval - a great way to spend a summer night.
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