"The Tragedy Of Macbeth" by Nottingham Shakespeare Company.

Ruddington Methodist Church.

Another version of William Shakespeare's tragedy play, Macbeth, but as this just happens to be one of my most favourite of the Bard's plays, I do not mind at all, especially when the wicked that comes this way is deliciously dynamic, powerful, crammed with corruption, scintillatingly sexy, superbly supernatural feeling and presents a more human side of both Macbeths.

With the play being so well known and beloved among theatre goers, I don't need to regale you of the storyline, so I'll get straight down to business.

I really enjoyed this interpretation of my favourite tragedy, mainly because I know the play so well, which meant that I didn't struggle to understand the action and could follow the script and the meaning. When you have that in your brain, you can appreciate the production itself and take in the additional touches to what is a classic tragedy.

When it comes down to those passionate scenes, and I'm not just talking about Lord and Lady Macbeth's scenes, there was no holding back, acting wise, physicality wise and speech wise. I do not profess to be a Shakespeare know it all; I don't think I'd get very far on Mastermind, but I know what I like, and I like this theatre company and the way they always present  Shakespeare's plays from a different angle.

You always get something a bit different from the Nottingham Shakespeare Company and this is no different. The Three Witches include a Warlock. The way this section was worked out was that the three were ever present, but were they a physical presence, or were they in Macbeth's mind? There were plenty of intense stares, especially from Margarita, which created a wonderful sense of unease and of the supernatural, especially with the lighting design in these scenes.

Lady Macbeth, played by Emma Webber, is a punky, Gothic Princess dressed in fishnet tights, almost Steampunk with the decorative chains and make up. Emma brings out the passion from Lady Macbeth, but the outstanding scene was the sleepwalking scene, which was quite frightening as her eyes stared into voids, continually wringing her hands and grabbing hold of people (beware of aisle seats). But it's that constant staring while in sleepwalking mode that becomes an uncomfortable watch. You'll see a different side of Lady Macbeth in this production.

Macbeth is played by Jack Dillon and would have been the rock star of his day if Macbeth's choice of costume is any indication of his character. This is Jack's debut for Nottingham Shakespeare Company, but is obviously not his first Shakespearian rodeo. There are times throughout the play that really ramped up the supernatural, aided by the lighting. Hand held torches focused on Macbeth's face creating an even greater feeling of unease with some of the dialogue sections, presenting a darker feel than in some of the previous Macbeths I've seen in the past.

King Duncan is played by Leon Cain, who also created the remarkably emotive soundscape, and in the church setting, it gave a more ethereal sound and feel. Celtic original pieces mixed with drama made this feel like something out of "Game Of Thrones". I joked with Emma that if the makers of Game Of thrones had been around in Shakespeare's days, they would have lifted this Macbeth feel to make their series.

Lady MacDuff is played by Margarita Loginova, and also doubles as one of The Witches; the one who really makes you feel uncomfortable when she looks at you. The scene where the MacDuff castle is raided and the mass killings take place is done really well, with some nice props, and more than that I will not reveal, but it's very effective.

One of the other Witches is played by Querida Louyindoula, and doubles as a Gentle Woman. Andy Canadine is the third Witch as well as a Murderer, Sergeant, Doctor and Servant. I've already mentioned just how good the trio of Witches are and the atmosphere that all three bring to the production.

Banquo is played by Tom Salyers, who also doubles as Seyton. You actually see the doubt regarding Macbeth creeping in with Tom's performance of Banquo, which is something that is not as subtle in some other productions I've seen.

Michelle-Louise Wright, who also directs this piece, plays the role of The Porter, who is The Gatekeeper of Macbeth's castle. An ideal role for Michelle because it's the comic relief character, and Michelle brings a sense of topicality and political humour to the production.

Malcolm, who raises the army in England to combat Macbeth in an attempt to reclaim birthright from Macbeth, is played by Francesca Short. It's an interesting decision to employ a woman actor to play this role, but an inspired one by this fabulous group. Frankie also doubles as the Murderer, which is a good job that it was stated in the programme because she came up the aisle, practically out of nowhere to do the deed and then exited. You know that this is due but takes you quite by surprise when you don't know from which angle the murder is coming from.

Jess Evans is Ross, the messenger of the play and a relative of Macduff and his wife. This role marks a return to the stage for Jess after an extended break.

Apart from the actors, what makes this play as atmospheric is the sound and lighting design, which has its' own special magic of it's own.

Michelle's directing sees five different entry and exit points, which makes for an interesting theatrical experience as you're never too sure as to whom will appear where and from which direction. This truly is a production that will keep you on your toes and your mind ever active.

What I also noted was the age group of the audience. I have always said that to learn to love Shakespeare and to start to understand the man and his plays, and of course the language, young people need to see Shakespeare brought to life in a theatrical situation instead of stuck in a classroom reading the books. One young man was transfixed with the action, and I bet he got more out this production than any teacher in a classroom could instill into him. As Nottingham Shakespeare Company have always said, Shakespeare is for everyone, and that young man proves that.

"The Tragedy Of Macbeth concludes tomorrow (Saturday) at St Nicholas' Church on Maid Marian Way in the city with a matinee and evening performance. It would be a tragedy to miss out!