Ed Fringe 2010: Just Macbeth! – Assembly @ George Street
Writer: Andy Griffiths
Music: Tony David Cray
Director: Wayne Harrison
Reviewer: Deborah Klayman
The Public Reviews Rating: 
This vibrant production of Macbeth begins as a group of Australian school children attempt to pass their class by performing the first witches scene from Shakespeare’s famous Scottish play. In trying to make it different they create the witches’ vile potion and foolishly drink it, transporting them into the world of the play and facing the same challenges as the characters and succumbing to the same feelings of ambition and desire that ultimately destroy them.
What Bell Shakespeare bring to this production that makes it so unique is a irreverency and immediacy that makes it fun for the audience, removing the mystique that Shakespeare seems to have and making it wholly accessible. With gigantic backdrops full of humorous references to the play and production and a strong connection with their audience, the actors deftly mix Shakespearian language with slapstick, throwing in just the right amount of pun and fart jokes to keep the kids happy and entertain the adults.
Patrick Brammall, who plays both Andy and Macbeth, is a familiar figure – a boy who just wants to impress a girl he is transported and transformed by the witches’ predictions and his desire for Lisa’s approval. Lisa (Pippa Grandison), who also becomes Lady Macbeth, has ambitions of her own, and the two have some truly hilarious moments. Justin Smith is superb as Danny/Banquo, throwing himself into roles he plays with obvious joy. The rest of the cast are strong, including a noteworthy performance from John Leary as Lennox who shows off his disturbingly good legs and builds the humour throughout the piece. The production appears polished and professional throughout, and though the coupling of soliloquies with Brammall stuffing an entire plate of marshmallows into his mouth shouldn’t work, for some reason it just does!
Runs until 29th Aug
Tags: Andy Griffiths, Assembly @ George Street, Bell Shakespeare, Edinburgh Fringe 2010, John Leary, Just Macbeth!, Justin Smith, Mark Owen-Taylor, Patrick Brammall, Pippa Grandison, Rhiannon Owen, Wayne Harrison
