Macbeth

We were all excited to see a famous Shakespeare  play on the amateur stage, not the usual event in this area, but it couldn’t have been in better hands than that of Gallery Players.  A real opportunity to see performed a play where you the audience members can  decide for themselves the issues which lead up to the tragedy and who or what is responsible.

Macbeth is one of Director, Brian Theodore Ralph’s favourite Shakespearian plays and  he was determined to set this play in its original historical setting. During a trip to Scotland he literally stumbled across a stone monument  dedicated to King Malcolm and further research showed that the three Kings,  Malcolm, Macbeth and  Duncan  actually existed in the 11th century.  

As soon as you walked into the auditorium, you are transformed into an atmospheric, misty moorland with the 3 weird sisters frozen in time waiting for the opening. The play which is set in the round;  with a minimalistic set, which is  cleverly transformed just with the introduction of a candlelit wooden chandelier, into a banqueting room. David Borthwick, as usual has worked his magic with this , also making all the props. Creating the weaponry of the period, authentic swords and axes, made of heavy carbon-steel and Celtic shields made from equally heavy solid wood.  The smoking cauldron, looking so authentic, whilst being light enough to be easily carried in, and to set the scenes for the sisters. 

The costumes, Brian sourced from Angels of London, with the help of sponsorship from the Wolsey Theatre Club. They reflected the period perfectly right down to the footwear, which looked like hand stitched leather.  A few additions were also created by Isabel Clover, a textile artist, using natural dyes to textiles, and also Coronation Robes creating the look of rich textiles which she then embellished.  All these wonderful period costumes  certainly added to the atmosphere.  

The  strong and very competent large cast are too numerous to mention all, however, mention must be made to the extremely confident and compelling Thomas Haigh as Macbeth and to Charlotte Curtis who gave a very emotional portrayal of Lady Macbeth, especially in the ‘sleep walking’ scene. A brilliant performance by both, which certainly left you wondering, what caused their downfall. Was it ambition, greed or the effects that the sisters had upon them? Who  knows? Well cast and looking splendid in their costumes were Phil Cory as Macduff, James Hayward as Ross and Steve Taplin as King Duncan, along with his sons George Deadman and Ben Maytham.  Indeed, the whole cast  were so believable  in their roles,  it was perfectly evident that they had all studied very well and were thoroughly confident in their lines and the Shakespearian text.  Mention should also be made of the incredibly convincing fight scenes, perfectly choreographed  under the direction of  Fight Director, Joseph Reed.  

Adding  wonderfully to the atmosphere, was background music on the double bass from Alfie Harries, who had  also written the score.  The lighting cleverly designed  to add to the mood, and yet still lighting the characters faces.

This production like many others at present had originally been scheduled for last year; had twice been cancelled through Covid,  but  now aptly  and perhaps fortuitously  performed during Halloween week, to an appreciative audience, and was certainly well worth waiting for. Well done to all the cast for pulling off yet another brilliant production to a very high standard under the direction of Brian Theodore Ralph.

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