London’s Trafalgar Studios has undergone a dramatic change in the style and theme of its productions as part of their season, ‘Trafalgar Transformed’, an initiative which aims to bring a host of new theatregoers to the venue and encourage an interest in theatre among the young. The directive, explains director Jamie Lloyd, will see the theatre experiment with a series of “politically charged power plays”* , an alternative direction for the central London venue. At the forefront of this metamorphosis for the theatre is Lloyd’s modern take on Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Set in dystopian Scotland after the ravages of a nuclear war, Lloyd sets about updating this classic work into a piece for the contemporary audience, with A-list actor James McAvoy taking on the role of the tragic king.
After seeing a performance of the production on 20th February, it is safe to say that Lloyd’s unique take on the play and McAvoy’s interpretation of the role do not disappoint. The intimate venue allows the audience to be at the very heart of the performance, no matter their position, be it the on stage seats, or even 2 rows from to back of the theatre (the location from which I enjoyed the show!).
The talent of McAvoy and the rest of the youthful cast is apparent from the outset. McAvoy brilliantly captures the demise of Macbeth, his performance allowing for clear character progression from charming, amiable Thane to a paranoid, bloodthirsty king. Stand out scenes include McAvoy’s riveting delivery of the witches prophecy, that he is to be killed by a man “not of woman born”, Macbeth’s brutal murder of one of Macduff’s children, whom he rams with a sword after hearing him cry out from the cupboard in which he is hidden and Jamie Ballard’s Macduff’s chilling reactions to the news of the murder of his “pretty chickens”, which leaves the theatre joined in emotional, enraptured silence.
In the run up to the production, critics were quick to question the selection of McAvoy for the lead role, citing his relatively tender age as a potential cause for concern. At only 33, McAvoy is the youngest actor in living memory to take on the part, typically portrayed by men 10 or 20 years his senior. However, to the contrary, McAvoy’s youth is what sets him apart in this performance, with his active portrayal allowing for a refreshing and up to date take on Shakespeare’s work, which shows how it is possible for the classics to be made relevant for today’s audience.
What’s more, McAvoy has shown himself to be accommodating, taking time out to meet fans and seek their opinions on his performance. I was lucky enough to meet Mr McAvoy after the show, who, after enquiring where we were had sat, asked with intent “Can you still feel it [the performance] back there?” The answer, James, is very much a "yes". McAvoy should be commended both for his fantastic performance and friendliness towards the theatregoers. His youthful, contrasted portrayal of Shakespeare’s troubled king truly sets him out as one of Britain’s finest actors and negates any doubts raised about his inability to rise to the role. His youth and delivery add to the drama and dark nature of the play and show him to truly be the nation’s modern Macbeth.
*quote taken from http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/latest-news/article/item164634/mcavoy-plays-lloyds-macbeth/
