Arriving in London from a sold-out season in Melbourne, The Australian Shakespeare Company brings Macbeth to the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. Played outdoors, the sun sets, and darkness encroaches as much as it does within Macbeth providing a haunting atmosphere.
Hugh Sexton and Nicole Nabout as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have strong chemistry and a magnetism between them, helping the relationship feel absolutely real. Sexton shines in the big moments, his ‘and tomorrow’ soliloquy is a highlight. Nabout really sells Lady Macbeth’s journey into madness. Both excel as the story goes on and they move from their shared ambition into isolation and guilt.
While the grief of Macduff is well presented by Jackson McGovern, a little more time would have been appreciated in particular as McGovern rises to the challenge and Macduff rings true, in contrast to the withdrawing Macbeth. Johnny Light’s Banquo is another highlight, his calmer demeanor contrasting with Sexton’s Macbeth and then Light is eerily effective after Banquo’s death, his silent presence really ramping up the tension.
Director Glenn Elston has gone for a fairly traditional run through, true to the text – porter and all. This feels like the only slight error, as occasionally the pacing feels off, some moments calling for more time to breathe at the bigger emotional beats, as Lady Macbeth’s persuasion or Macduff’s grief. Some of Elston’s staging choices are fabulous, Banquo’s appearance at the feast is a real stand out, clever blocking and choreography (Sue-Ellen Shook) allow Banquo to slip in and out disturbing Macbeth and disappearing just as quickly. Even realising there was some simple stage trickery going on here and watching for it, it still caught me out. It’s a brilliant addition to the atmosphere, giving us a glimpse of the world both as Macbeth now sees it but at the same time how it actually is.
After the interval, when the sun has set, the production values really come into their own. Banquo is again the subject of brilliant staging as the second act opens, superb light (by Peter Amesbury) combining with dry ice and the beautiful Kew background bring the witches cauldron to life and as the bloody ghost of Banquo emerges, it’s a stunning visual. The unspeaking bloody Banquo threatens to steal the show more than once!
Of course, as the trees of Great Birnam come to Dunsinane Hill, the Kew Gardens really comes into its own. The real trees surrounding the stage are beautifully lit up pushing shadows onto the stage, blending seamlessly with story. The natural backdrop makes the witches’ prophecy feel hauntingly touchable.
The production design and attention to detail is eye-catching. The witches’ costumes and make-up look great, and a moment of transformation pulled off perfectly. The bloodwork is also excellent, it looks real, and it looks terrific, it is helped by some spectacular fight work – in particular the showdown between Macbeth and Macduff, the clang of metal on metal reverberates around and it looks amazing with fight choreography by Scott Jackson.
A fantastic production in a beautiful and unique venue, with strong performances and striking staging that makes for a memorable, atmospheric evening.
Macbeth runs until 31st August at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
with tickets available at https://www.theatreonkew.org/shows/macbeth-kew-gardens
Reviewer: Dave Smith
Reviewed: 30th July 2025
North West End UK Rating: