Shakespeare at Traquair has become something of an institution, this year marking the 30th anniversary for the talented troupe of amateur actors and volunteers who bring a different bard play to life each year. This is the third outing of ‘the Scottish Play’, performed promenade style in the grounds of the ancient building, claimed to be the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland. Each scene is set in a different location in the grounds; amongst towering trees, against giant billowing rhododendrons, on great lawns and ancient cobbled stable yards and in one particularly effective scene, amongst the twisted limbs of a yew tree clearing as daylight dwindled. Add to this, the weird soundscape of electronica, grinding gears or static fuzz, or banging doors from carefully placed speakers in the bushes, alongside the natural offerings of cawing crows, cooing doves and cackling peacocks, and the odd growling or barking dog, not to mention the weather on the day of course, and you begin to get some idea of the mayhem, but also coursing life of this performance.
The setting provides ample room for improvisation and audience interaction, the words are all there in this uncut Macbeth, though maybe not delivered in quite the right order or with the polish of a stage setting. You cannot help thinking though, that this rustic reality is a style that Shakespeare himself would surely have approved of.
The watching and the following of the story requires a bit of stamina for the 100 strong audience, who dutifully traipse after the actors, corralled and directed by wonderful smirking black-clad child ninja helpers, and all carried out in great high spirits and humour. A chair is a handy device, as too later is a midge net!
Geoff Jones is excellent as the leather clad king, Duncan, who’s booming voice and commandeering chauvinism is brought to an abrupt end by Scott Noble’s very watchable Macbeth, egged on by the scheming, Leah Moorhouse as Lady M. Noble does an excellent job in the wordy lead role, hardly missing a beat in a highly demanding physical performance.
All scenes involving the witches David Ban, Mila Vardanian and Matt Davies are a joy to behold as they move through the audience muttering and cursing and generally freaking everyone out. Makeup and hair department certainly deserve an honourable mention here!
Whilst the first half of this production is certainly fine and watchable, the murder of Duncan in particular, it is after the interval as light begins to fade that the juicy stuff happens. The first three scenes of the second half, as night falls, are brilliantly conceived (and timed) and the highlights of the evening. Involving a clever illusion to create the ghost of Banquo, an unforgettable witches scene in the Yew grove and a brilliantly gory murder scene set against an adventure playpark, they highlight young director, Esmes Babineaux’s attention to detail and willingness to take risks. Great stuff!
The unpaid dedication and passion of all involved, actors, musicians, director, children and volunteers is clear to see, and a fitting tribute to the recently passed Richard Nisbet, who started the theatre group all those years ago, who had the vision to imagine Shakespeare at Traquair and conjure up something truly magical. The magic lives on!
Reviewer: Greg Holstead
Reviewed: 29th May 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Running time – 2hr 30mins (with interval)