Macbeth - St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace Venue

DMT Live Production presents yet another Shakespearean triumph—this time tackling the infamous Scottish play, whose title is rarely uttered inside a theatre. Having missed their earlier sold-out staging of A Midsummer Night’s Dream due to train strikes, this reviewer was especially intrigued by the prospect of seeing Macbeth performed in a church.

Admittedly, Macbeth is not a play this reviewer usually gravitates toward—blame Year 7 English Literature—but this production was exceptional. The commitment each cast member brought to their role was remarkable, particularly given the psychological weight the text often places on its performers.

Photography: Rosy Addison-Dunne

Despite operating with a limited set, the creative team made superb use of the church’s architecture. Simple but effective lighting cast eerie shadows along the stone walls, transforming the space into shifting landscapes that mirrored the play’s descent into chaos. Scene changes were suggested through light, shadow, and movement rather than physical scenery, lending the production an atmospheric quality that a traditional stage might not have achieved.

Make no mistake: the play can be challenging to follow, as is the case with much of Shakespeare’s work. For those unfamiliar with the narrative, it’s easy to lose track, which could make the experience frustrating. Yet this cast worked tirelessly to maintain clarity and momentum, delivering a performance that was consistently engaging and, at times, genuinely chilling.

Photography: Rosy Addison-Dunne

It would be difficult to choose a single standout performance, as everyone who stepped onto the stage was truly excellent. That said, a special commendation goes to Katie McLeod for her gripping portrayal of the troubled Lady Macbeth. Another must be given to the trio—Blythe West, Éilís Rooney, and Tracey Kearney—for their unsettling and mesmerising performances as the Witches. It takes a particular kind of skill to embody such madness, especially while moving down the church aisle and coming within inches of family and friends without ever breaking character. Setting aside personal inhibitions to deliver something so raw and authentic may be a basic expectation in this profession, but it is never easy to override instinctive human reactions. These four performers managed it with remarkable poise.

In all, DMT Live Production’s Macbeth is a testament to what can be achieved through ingenuity, commitment, and a deep respect for the text. By embracing the unique setting and trusting in the strength of their performers, they delivered a haunting, memorable interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s most demanding works. This reviewer may not have been a fan of the play going in, but leaving the church, there was no doubt: this production was something truly special.

Production Value: 70

Value For Money: 80

Personal Enjoyment: 60

Overall Score: 70% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4*)

(AD | Ticket gifted in exchange for an honest review)

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Venue: St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace Venue, London