Review: Macbeth, Redcliffe Caves

Insane Root is a Bristol theatre company with a difference. Founded in 2014, Insane Root believes in “making the inaccessible accessible, bringing life to abandoned sites and making Shakespeare make sense” – and that “theatre is most powerful when it is inclusive and personal”. This production of Macbeth enacts all these beliefs.

The Redcliffe Caves are special enough without the presence of warring Scotsmen, of course. However, in this instance, play and setting are mutually beneficial: Macbeth’s tension and horror is perfectly showcased by the caves, while the latter’s bleak darkness is mirrored in the play’s events.

Insane Root’s production begins immediately upon entering the caves as the charismatic Porter (Andrew Kingston) leads the way through the first alcove, presenting Macbeth and Banquo, returned from a victorious war. The small audience lines the walls of this narrow section, inches from Macbeth (Ben Crispin) and Banquo (Zachary Powell). Imminently, the witches appear: clicking and rasping, pushing through the audience, changing the mood from victorious to ominous. Subsequent scenes move through the caves, the audience led by a lantern through the darkness.

Award-winning costumer designer Sarah Warren has dressed the characters in garbs that add another level of intimate realism. Macbeth carries two daggers throughout the play, subtly foreshadowing the murders. The props are minimal but intelligently manipulated. The bulk of the production takes place in a larger chamber consisting of a simple wooden table which, during the expertly executed fight scenes choreographed by Zachary Powell, cleverly acts as a guide in the limited space.

Edmund McKay’s lighting sets the atmospheric tone throughout, using candles as the main source of light. As Macbeth begins to succumb to his murder-induced madness, Crispin slowly and methodically blows out the lantern that previously guided the audience through the caves, a disturbing foreshadowing of the drama to come. And when Macbeth delivers his soliloquy atop the table in the penultimate scene, the steam emanating from his body adds to the physical drama. Touches like this make the audience feel they have left Bristol behind for a savage new world of betrayal and murder. 

All performances are strong throughout. Ben Crispin offers an animated, thoughtful Macbeth, illustrating his downfall with depth and intelligence. Nicola Stewart-Hill plays a more manic than calculating Lady Macbeth. The supporting cast includes Chris Donnelly as a regal King Duncan and a revengeful and distraught Macduff, Zachary Powell as a loyal Banquo and murderous Seyton, James Keningale as Malcom and Andrew Kingston as the comical Porter and Ross.

This is a special and thoughtful production, perfectly aware of the power and influence of its setting. The audience is emotionally and physically involved from the beginning and is thrown in to another realm, witness to the inevitable events. This is Shakespeare at its best: involved, atmospheric, and understood.

Macbeth continues in Redcliffe Caves until as part of Bristol Shakespeare Festival. For more info and to book tickets, visit Thursday, July 14. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.bristolshakespearefestival.org.uk/event/insane-root-macbeth-at-the-redcliffe-caves/?instance_id=121