John Heffernan (Oppenheimer; Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell) and Anna Maxwell Martin (South Riding; Poppy Shakespeare) lead the company in Carrie Cracknell and Lucy Guerin’s ambitious new staging of Macbeth. When the prophecy of three witches proclaims that Macbeth is destined to become the King of Scotland, he and Lady Macbeth embark upon a murderous journey of power, treachery, paranoia, betrayal and suicide. Beginning with Shakespeare’s text, the powerful and unsettling choreography weaves its way throughout the story, culminating in an unforgettable final act where words falter and finally give way.
“A fantastic ride, full of sound and fury – [John] Heffernan is great.” – Time Out
“Stylish and daring.” – Evening Standard
“All-too topical… bold, visceral.” – Financial Times
“A viscerally exciting production – Anna Maxwell Martin is an alarmingly cool, svelte Lady Macbeth.” – The Guardian
“John Heffernan and Anna Maxwell Martin give totally committed performances as the Macbeths, particularly notable for their clarity of speech… There is a clear concept to this production that is carried through to every aspect.” – British Theatre Guide
★★★★½ “Visually stunning… This production seems darkly relevant and unsettlingly familiar. A completely valid and excitingly modern and authentic telling of the tale… Dark, disturbing and contemporary, this is a compelling Macbeth with a strong visual and emotional kick.” – The Reviews Hub
★★★★ “A highly visual production… An engaging, unsettling and scary reimagining of Macbeth. The elements of movement and dance are the real merit of this production – high quality and executed powerfully.” – Upstaged Manchester
“This was a revelatory production of a classic play… An utterly compelling theatrical experience.” – Jildy Sauce
“Dirty and dangerous, just like it needs to be – and it’s sharp and witty too… A strong production: daring and innovative and certainly not dull. Highly recommended.” Bouquets & Brickbats
“Carrie Cracknell and Lucy Guerin have done something very creative with their new production of Macbeth… Thrilling at times.” – Manchester Confidential
“A wonderful contemporary production.” North West End
“I’m always intrigued to see how a reworking of Shakespeare can be transported to modern day, this production made it look effortless… A perfect retelling of this well-known tragedy, elegantly retold in a new setting.” – Mancunion
“The challenge for any new staging of a Shakespeare play is what can be brought to it that is new. This modern dress production demonstrated that Macbeth can be augmented by the use of technology and design which did not exist in the era in which Shakespeare wrote the play.” – Weekend Notes
“Anna Maxwell Martin as Lady Macbeth stands out with a masterful control of the language… There are spectacular elements of this production, with the choreography in particular contributing something genuinely new and exciting to one of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays.” – The Manchester Review
“Still thinking about @youngvictheatre‘s dance #Macbeth. Buzzing, dark and visually incredible. Dance & theatre need to merge more often” – @bencmelch
“#Macbeth at @youngvictheatre tonight was a mix of James Bond, @Soulection radio shows, crumping, and the Matrix. Pretty good I’d say” – @gretawhat
“Macbeth at @youngvictheatre: like a 2 hour Sia video mixed-in with iambic pentameter. Bloody great. #macbeth” – @Harri_Grace
“#Macbeth @youngvictheatre captivating, different and visually beautiful with interesting character decisions & great choreography” – @dangejoe
“Brilliant adaptation of #Macbeth @youngvictheatre today. Stunning direction @carriecracknell and @LucyGuerinInc. #Shakespeare refreshed!” – @DFDcollective