I’ll start by saying I’ve never read, watched or listened to the original Macbeth. I was finally ready to watch it and I enjoyed the story however the production was not what I anticipated. 

The first thing I noticed was the set and costume design - it is all modern. It was set in a current warzone with modern attire and environment. I did appreciate the design of the set and its versatility as with minor adjustments it was used for every scene. It was explained to me after that the 21st-century setting was a choice made to make the story more relatable to the viewers. However, it jarred me as I hoped for and expected an 11th-century experience. Throughout the performance, the sliding doors and cocktail dresses brought me out of the story and atmosphere especially since the script is still written in Early Modern English.

It was not only the modern aspect of the design that annoyed me. The clothes and props looked cheap and like something you can pick up in an H&M. The necklace Macbeth is given as a symbolic crown looks like something you may get from winning a race on sports day. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the acting. Starring Ralph Fiennes as Macbeth and Indira Varima as Lady Macbeth, they put together an incredible performance. They were the only actors that truly stood out to me, though all the acting was impressive. Indira Varima was my favourite actress in the play because she portrayed Lady Macbeth's madness and feelings with incredible skill.

Usually, I’m alright at understanding what Shakespeare wrote but watching this play I had very little clue what the performers were saying. I don’t know if it was the delivery or the acoustics but I either couldn’t hear or couldn’t understand them. Thankfully their facial expressions, body language and the reactions of other characters helped me to understand what was happening. 

Overall, I didn’t enjoy this reenactment of the play. I could barely understand the dialogue, the set and costume design brought me out of the story multiple times and the mood felt forced. The acting and storyline helped save it and make it bearable but I still wouldn’t watch it again.