Macbeth by the Sea – The Space on the Mile

Second up in my Macbeth marathon this Fringe was this lightweight absurd piece by American group John Hancock Productions. With an open mind, I allowed the onslaught to commence, and commenceth it did.

More Spamalot than Shakespeare, this one would have had the bard rolling in his grave, and not necessarily with laughter. Whilst there were moments of fun and pith from the four strong cast, led muscularly by Ric Walker in the titular role, this was still pretty thin gruel.

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are trying to relax in a seaside resort after the murder of Banquo, but confronted in turn by his ghost, the witches and an incompetent masseuse (out damn knot!) hotel manager who is a weird mixture of Faulty and Renee. You get the picture.

The picture that probably looked great on the back of a napkin, but I expect is coming home to haunt them now.

Oh well, …. at least it was short. Next!

Running time – 50 mins

Reviewer: Greg Holstead

Reviewed: 10th August 2023

North West End UK Rating: