Buy cheap tickets for Matilda the Musical
Brave Macbeth

If you feel sceptical about the idea of Macbeth as a comedy for children, let me put your mind at rest. Startlingly, Brave Macbeth is a gleefully funny production – particularly all of the bits you might assume to be too dark. Captivate Theatre should be commended for their excellent and accessible Shakespearian adaptation. The combination of Shakespearian language and modern Scots is a match made in heaven.

Perfect for someone looking for a family friendly Shakespeare show that will leave them grinning.

This is a fast paced blitz through the best bits of Macbeth. It hits all of the important parts in a manner which is clear enough for those new to Shakespeare, yet innovative enough for those who are more familiar. The show throws some much needed emphasis onto the good guys of the play, giving the ever decreasing collection of them their own great song that would reprise whenever some of them were bumped off.

The cast work well together as a tightly knit team and they were clearly enjoying themselves. Banquo was relishing the opportunity to be a head on a plate. The ensemble’s strong characterisation really holds the whole thing together as they swap though a wide range of loopy characters including angels and devils, inept incomprehensible murderers and ill-suited messengers. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth made a good pair. The brave, roguish and, most importantly, good Macbeth is initially very much under his wife’s thumb, but grows into his position as the lead. Lady Macbeth is the true villain of the whole piece, talking her husband round with some serious henpecking and a heavy dose of Shakespearian/Scottish insults.

The performance and music have managed to marry a sense of irreverence with the power of Shakespeare language. When Macbeth finally gets up to give his big speech, and escapes from his furious soliloquy hating wife, it’s a lovely uplifting moment. I particularly enjoyed the naming of Macduff’s children after other Shakespearian characters, though I suspect that went over the heads of the children. There was also a slightly unsavoury comment to Viola about her dressing in boys clothes, which Viola attempted to respond to but was promptly murdered before she could finish.

However, Brave Macbeth is perfect for someone looking for a family friendly Shakespeare show that will leave them grinning.

Reviews by M Johnson

Summerhall

Sh!t Theatre: Or What's Left of Us

★★★★★
Summerhall

BLUBBER

★★★
theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

Malion

★★
Summerhall

Cosmos

★★
Paradise in Augustines

Into the Woods

★★★★
Assembly George Square Studios

The Maids

★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

On his way home from battle, Brave Macbeth meets the witches who tell him that he will become king. Now he quite likes that idea and so does his wife. What will he do to get his hands on the crown? 'One of the best children's shows at the Fringe this year... has set the mark for how Shakespeare can be enjoyable and fun for all ages' (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Funny, fast and exciting! An excellent example of children's theatre done right... Hilariously silly yet educational. Great fun for all the family' (AllEdinburghTheatre.com).
Buy cheap tickets for Back To The Future
Buy cheap tickets for Matilda the Musical

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for Matilda
Matilda

From £25.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Mrs. Doubtfire
Mrs. Doubtfire

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Cabaret
Cabaret

From £37.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Only Fools And Horses
Only Fools And Horses

From £33.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical

From £13.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Lion King
The Lion King

From £46.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Juno and the Paycock
Buy cheap tickets for Mary Queen of Scots
Buy cheap tickets for Stiletto
Buy cheap tickets for Marriage of Figaro
Buy cheap tickets for Mozart - Her Story
Buy cheap tickets for Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist
Buy cheap tickets for The Duchess of Malfi
Buy cheap tickets for How to Survive Your Mother
Buy cheap tickets for Circa Duck Pond
Buy cheap tickets for Starlight Express