When Shall We Three Meet Again?
Picture the scene - a large crowd gathers in the shadows of Greyfriars Kirk, and led down the path into the cemetery. Silence except a soft breeze in the trees. Suddenly three cloaked figures appear from behind an ancient gravestone. "When shall we three meet again?" they chant. And with that first line, the witches draw us into an unnatural world of betrayal, treachery and evil. As they disappear, servants and soldiers usher us on with the sound of rhythmic drumbeat and bells. From a grassy mound, a tall man dressed in black leather, advances - Macbeth, the brave warrior is handsome, heroic and beneath his charming smile, a glint of ruthless ambition.
As the plot slowly unfolds scene by scene we are taken on a magical mystery walking tour of the wynds, closes and courtyards of the Old Town. This outdoor 17th century stage with a backdrop of iron gates, worn stone steps and the high castle-like tenement buildings all around is utterly breathtaking. This is true intimate theatre - actors perform amongst the audience so that we observe every emotion, glance and touch. Simon Tait and Babs George are electrifying as the Macbeths, a glamorous couple, passionate in love and powerlust, weak and destroyed in failure.
Director Mark Erson, (also playing Ross), choreographs a superb ensemble of 18 Scottish and American actors with energy and rich imagination. The Edinburgh streets provide the perfect atmosphere but perhaps some special effects - fire torches, smoke - would add colour and ambience.
When and Where
Runs to 22nd August, 1800, not Sundays at Greyfriars Kirkyard (Venue 99), Greyfriars Place, Candlemaker Row. Presented by Frantic Redhead Productions.
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