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The Macbeths

A new filmed version of the radical studio show
The Macbeths

The Macbeths is an intimate and intense re-imagining of the Scottish play.

Returning from battle, Macbeth hears a prophesy emboldening him to murder and betray. Compelled by his equally ruthless wife, Macbeth ignores his creeping sense of guilt and hopelessness and attempts to hasten the hand of fate, unwittingly ushering in the downfall of them both.

Using a radically cut version of Shakespeare’s text, this intimate adaptation charts the breakdown of the Macbeths' relationship following an act of murder which at first binds them together and then destroys them.

Dominic Hill’s brutal and intense production tells the Bard’s famous story in a powerfully distilled form. Set entirely on and around the couple’s bed, it explores the destructive relationship at the heart of the story.

First performed in our Circle Studio in 2017 to great acclaim, we’ve collaborated with Urbancroft Films, adapting the show for online audiences to experience at home. Reuniting the original cast (Charlene Boyd and Keith Fleming), the hour-long film captures the feverish energy of the stage performance.

The film of The Macbeths was available to watch from 3- 30 June 2021. Thank you to everyone that booked a ticket and supported the show. We hope you enjoyed this theatre experience from home.

  • Cast & Creative Team

    Adapted from the play by William Shakespeare

    Directed by Dominic Hill and Martyn Robertson
    Original stage production directed by Dominic Hill
    Filmed by Urbancroft Films
    Produced by Citizens Theatre

    CREATIVE TEAM

    Director Dominic Hill
    Director Martyn Robertson
    Lighting Designer  Stuart Jenkins
    Dramaturg  Frances Poet
    Composer  Matthew Whiteside
    Assistant Director Joanna Bowman
    Tom Penny – Sound Design (original stage production)

    CAST

    Charlene Boyd 

    Keith Fleming

    URBANCROFT FILMS
    Martyn Robertson – Creative Director
    Louise Storrie – Company Producer
    Julian Schwanitz – Director of Photography
    Jamie Dempster - Camera Operator
    Jonathon McLoone - Sound Recordist
    Chris Kinghorn - Camera Assistant
    Richard Poet - Editor
    Kevin Murray - Dubbing Mixer

Reviews

" for those who like their Shakespeare brilliant, concentrated, and brief, this version of The Macbeths offers a rare and thrilling treat"
- The Scotsman on The Macbeths Film

"a dark and demonic triumph of theatre in the Covid era"
- The National on The Macbeths Film

“Charlene Boyd and Keith Fleming as the deadly lovers bring a frankly terrifying erotic charge.”
- Stagedoor on The Macbeths Film

”...a sweaty, erotic and breathlessly self-destructive re-imagining”
- The Herald on The Macbeths 2017

”...a rich evening of theatre for anyone who loves Macbeth, and also loves to see it reborn, in ever more challenging forms.”
- The Scotsman on The Macbeths 2017

Press

Mark Brown spoke to the cast of The Macbeths about reimagining this show for online audiences.

The National: Dominic Hill’s The Macbeths makes the transition from stage to screen

Charlene Boyd on reprising her role as the fiend-like queen & making a film of The Macbeths during a pandemic.

The Sunday Post: Interview with Charlene Boyd

Video

Photo Galleries

Running Time: 60 minutes

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