Buy cheap tickets for Boozr
Macbeth

Fortitude Dance company’s attempt to stage a ‘physical theatre’ version of Shakespeare’s bloody Scottish tragedy in the club scene of 1980’s Manchester is certainly a novel take on the classic tale, but one that falls well short of being an engaging or enjoyable piece of theatre.

The cast engage in overlong sequences of synchronised dancing that add nothing to overall mood, coming off as completely disjointed and or unintentionally funny

The story, despite the setting change, remains largely the same: the brave and valiant Macbeth is told by three witches that he will be King and, goaded on by his Wife, he usurps the King and soon begins to fall prey to madness and bloodthirst. The decision to set the play in this period is an unusual take but one that could have been pulled off well if effort was put in to modify the story accordingly, which here has not been done nearly enough, and we are left confused as to why a group of clubbers has a King, why someone would kill to become said King and why armies would be involved in the struggle to ensure said Kingship. Indeed this setting change only really seems to exist to effect the costumes and justify the blaring club music that plays over most of the play, drowning out the actors and leaving your ears ringing.

This disconnect between plot and setting could be overlooked if the rest of the performance was remotely engaging; here however this was not to be found. The majority of the cast clearly struggle with loading their speech with the required emotion, leaving large sections of the play lacking in energy and anything remotely resembling tension. Even the shortest scenes feel like they drag on for hours.

Professed ‘physical theatre' really translates to the plot stopping abruptly every time a character dies, so the cast can engage in overlong sequences of synchronised dancing that add nothing to overall mood, coming off as completely disjointed and or unintentionally funny. The moment where Macduff is informed of his family’s death is a standout, as the performer begins to writhe quietly in anguish whilst his two companions, completely unfazed, continue to talk as if nothing has happened.

None of the above is helped by the abysmal sound design, which seems to have been created by someone with no concept of fading, as sound cues smash into each other or simply cut off abruptly, taking the audience out of what little immersion they may have had to begin with.

What is so frustrating about this piece is there are a few moments where the concept shows promise: the death of Lady Macbeth and the second meeting with the witches were choreographed brilliantly and indeed it would have likely served the company to have simply dropped the text entirely and perform the show solely through movement.

In the end, this Macbeth feels like a night out at an overpriced club you really wish you could forget.

Reviews by Joseph McAulay

Pleasance Courtyard

Great British Mysteries: 1599?

★★★★
Pleasance Courtyard

Kill the Beast: Director's Cut

★★★
Pleasance Courtyard

No Kids

★★★★
Pleasance Courtyard

Dietrich: Natural Duty

★★★★
Summerhall

DollyWould

★★★★
Traverse Theatre

Ulster American

★★★★

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

Heat, sweat and noise – same madness, new century. Fortitude Dance Theatre retell Shakespeare's classic in the haze and noise of 1989 Manchester. This original physical theatre performance combines poetry, dance and movement to explore the timeless themes of Macbeth, while telling a unique and personal story between the expanse of the Manchester Moors and the hot dancefloor of the Hacienda nightclub. Expect magic, murder, greed and blood.
Buy cheap tickets for Back To The Future
Buy cheap tickets for Boozr

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for Mean Girls
Mean Girls

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Les Miserables
Les Miserables

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Six
Six

From £42.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Magic Mike Live
Magic Mike Live

From £48.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Mrs. Doubtfire
Mrs. Doubtfire

From £25.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Moulin Rouge! The Musical

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Cinderella Kings Head
Buy cheap tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk Adult Panto
Buy cheap tickets for Oedipus starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville
Buy cheap tickets for Frankie Valli
Buy cheap tickets for Juno and the Paycock
Buy cheap tickets for Stranger Things
Buy cheap tickets for Wicked
Buy cheap tickets for The Elixir of Love
Buy cheap tickets for Alls Well That Ends Well
Buy cheap tickets for The Purists