Performed through NT Live, review by Lesley Finlay
The big summer ticket for theatre fans was undoubtedly Kenneth Branagh’s return to the stage as Macbeth. Tickets whooshed out of the box office within minutes so most of us had to enjoy it at the local cinema thanks to NT Live.
Emma Freud’s introductions to NT Live are painful – delivered with great lumps of cheese and condescension – so it was a relief when the play finally started. This is one performance where the NT Live multi cameras are required; for those not in the know, the play was performed in the aisle (narrow, peat/muddy floor) of a deconsecrated church and used the altar and balcony to great effect.
Much had been made in the popular press of the clashing swordfight (gruesome even from where I was sitting) and the close proximity of players to the audience. But much should have been made of the brilliant performances – yes of course, of Branagh and Alex Kingston (Lady Macbeth) but also of the cast who performed the story with humanity and power. This production, co-directed by Rob Ashford with Branagh, highlights the themes of the corrupting influence of power and the futility of war that audiences will recognise.
With NT Live you get close to the action and atmosphere – a worthy substitute for the real thing.