Macbeth
A spectacle from stage to screen, the intimate reinvention of Macbeth by Donmar Warehouse has arrived on the silver screen.
When in person, this haunting production cursed it's audience with headphones to have the actors voices whisper directly in their ears and the recording has gone a step further. Utilising impressive surround sound, the voices resonate from throughout the room. However time and direction has been taken to ensure this filmed version is equally impressive as actors look down the barrel of the camera as their voice fills the room.
Starring David Tennant as the titular Macbeth and Cush Jumbo as his wife, Lady Macbeth, not only did this production at the Donmar Warehouse get a West End transfer, it's also been filmed for cinema screens. And rightly so. The story of how temptation and greed corrupts and power is a burden not worth chasing is reinvented with minimalism and precision.
Featuring close to no physical set, the staging is strikingly bare but designed to be as multifunctional as possible providing levels as around the stage and a glass corridor at the back. Costuming is equally stripped back with all characters bar one in a form of black and grey. Lady Macbeth, the exception, is completely in white placing her in stark contrast. The juxtaposition of white innocence against her questionable morality is not lost and leaves a lot to interpretation.
Providing the performance of a lifetime is David Tennant who has blended his years of acting on stage and screen beautifully to create the dramatic tension of Broadchurch from a live-on-stage Shakespeare play. Screen acting has made him perfect for the subtle facial changes which the camera sees paired, with precision, alongside a wide stage presence. Even in some scenes as Tennant stays on stage while another scene ensues his presence is noticed.
Taking on the infinitely debated role of Lady Macbeth is Cush Jumbo who delivers a multifaceted villain with much to read into and study. Jumbo’s tackling of the infamous speeches left plenty to devour with this performance which will be watched a thousand times over.
The rest of the cast are extremely impressive and bring the world to life. Rona Morison stars in a most harrowing scene as Lady Macduff with a nightmare-inducing scream. Almost opposing is the impeccable Moyo Akande who is strongly stoic and levels the stage. It would be impossible to comment on every cast member’s highlights for there would be too many.
As with the live show it is the sound that is a revolutionary experience during this performance. From the intimacy of David Tenant whispering in your ear to the joyful choral music. Volume is directed like a character itself and creates a flawless masterpiece of a cinematic experience. This is the future of stage to screen adaptations.
Macbeth has blended the stage and screen in an incredible way. What was a record breaking stage production has been translated for cinema and must be seen to be experienced.
This show was reviewed on the 20th January 2025 at Soho Screening Rooms, London. More details here: Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo in cinemas | In cinemas worldwide from 5 February 2025
Review written by Ryan Lenney
AD/Gifted
Photo credit: Marc Brenner
Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.