RSC Live: Macbeth

Christopher Eccleston gives a rugged macho portrayal of Macbeth in this RSC production.

Once he wears the crown and attends a banquet, he is gripped with madness and paranoia. He knows he has blood in his hands. Someone is also keeping count of his death toll.

Niamh Cusack's Lady Macbeth is more sympathetic, she shines as someone who is more neurotic and less bloodthirsty.

The setting of this Macbeth is modernist. The three witches are girls in pyjamas. A digital clock is displayed after Duncan's murder and counts down to Macbeth's demise. It then resets again.

Certain phrases of the text are projected on a screen. One ubiquitous actor turns up in several roles more prominent as a creepy off kilter cleaner.

This is a gruff earthy and bloody production. Talks of brains being bashed. I did think the visual gimmicks was meant to give the play some accessibility. It did not always succeed. The countdown clock also tells you how long there is still to go.