Abbey Theatre - Amharclann na Mainistreach

AMAZING! This production is so atmospheric; the use of music as well as shadow are both excellent, and the entire cast are wonderful. The witches in particular really stand out.
Five stars.

We went to see Macbeth two week ago today, and I have to say it was absolutely brilliant. Both myself and my husband did Macbeth for English in the Leaving Certificate. We both really appreciated the way all the scenes where acted out. All the actors conveyed all the emotion that was involved. I thought it was superbly acted, and the costumes and background were second to none. The Abbey have shown that they are the best at carrying out and interpreting any play, and this is most certainly true of William’s Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”

I thought that this production of Macbeth was very weak. The cast was passable but Eileen Walshe’s performance was a huge disappointment. She seemed indifferent to the words she was speaking and hers was a cringe worthy performance. Rory Nolan’s performance was superb and he stuck out amongst the best onstage in this production. The stage setting was poor and seemed bare when it needed to be strong for the acting was not strong enough to stand alone. I was in the second row and the acoustics were problematic with audience members losing whole lines in the play.

Full marks to Eileen Walsh, a truly formidable Lady Macbeth (though the Annie Lennox haircut slightly jarred). I had my doubts about Aiden Kelly in the beginning, as he seemed more to be reciting his lines than speaking them, but I definitely warmed to him (if that’s the right term); his performance in the banquet scene was great, I thought. I thought it odd, though, that he went down on his knees so often; a very unkingly thing to do. Karl Shiels, Michael McElhatton and, not least, Phil Kingston as Seyton, all delivered fine performances. The set was impressive, though the pig’s head (a reference, I suppose, to Beelzebub in The Lord of the Flies), seemed a bit silly. The porter’s speech, a difficult scene anyway, was fine in its updated version. The only thing I really didn’t like at all was the Brideshead Revisted-esque scene, complete with picnic basket and beautiful young man, with Malcolm in England - what on earth was that meant to signify?

Brilliant all round, loved the witch in fits, was scared and sad.
The whole cast,especially Aidan Kelly, was spot on.
A definite go-see!

I have seen this production of Macbeth twice.  Terrific! Shakespeare at its best! Go see it. Some really electrifying performances, great set, costumes and lighting.  Some many wonderful moments that have replayed in my mind since....great stuff!!

Saw Macbeth last week and got the 2 for 1 tickets.
It was fantastic acting and I could not believe the mediocre reviews I have been listening to. What’s bloody wrong with Jimmy Fay aligning this production to what’s going on today(although a tad overdone on Macbeth looking like a bishop for the whole of the 2nd half)-and he mentions things once, it’s not like he changed the play!-It’s a piece of history. I absolutely loved everything, the stage, the acting(Karl Shields, again, Lady Macbeth and Banquo stood out)I would go again no bother and pay the full price. Very exciting stuff!Hurrah!

Michael McElhatton is one of the best actors to ever come out of Ireland. I really enjoyed his performance and I thoguht he was the only one out of the whole ensemble that did Shakespeare justice.

Superb production with sterling performances by all, most notably John Kavanagh and Karl Shiels, the latter in reference to the scene where Madduff receives tidings from his family - a truly chilling performance!

I take my hat off to the production team, as the costumes, lightning, stage and music were very well executed.

I would like to see more Shakespearean plays at the Abbey Theatre...!

The music, set and lighting in this Macbeth was excellent but overall this production failed to build a sustained sense of foreboding.