MacBeth - Derby Theatre

Thursday 2nd April 2026

"MacBeth"

Derby Theatre

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars)

The auditorium is buzzing with excitement as we wait for the lights to go down. Press night at Derby Theatre is always such a supporting community and this did not disappoint.

Macbeth tells the Shakespearean story of a man named Macbeth. It’s  a fast-paced, bloody tragedy that explores the psychological ruin caused by blind ambition and the thirst for power.

This production has been modified to be set in the more fantastical modern day. With most men in camouflage army uniforms (which the only note I have for this show is that these uniforms were almost too clean) then swapped to guilly suits when they are ‘burnam wood’. The women in formal jumpsuits, coats and heels. This however is a juxtaposition to the three witches, whose costumes look like each piece of clothing was picked up from their victims, layers of patchwork style bits and bobs and completed by animal like yet alien masks. At first I was intrigued how they were going to make this show modern but they really perfected every detail.

Throughout the show, there is constant pumping of haze that fills the stage which is captured by the atmospheric lighting in swirls and what feels like stagnant air, which is echoed by the incessant sounds of dripping, light screeches and wind-like noises. The sound design by Annie May Fletcher is truly impeccable. The thing that stood out to me was the realistic baby cries that seemed to come from the doll itself which meant that as the doll was moved around the stage, the sound would follow. The attention to this detail makes all the difference. Another thing I noticed was that there were only hanging microphones which meant that all actors had to project, again, something that seems rare. There wasn’t a word I didn’t hear. 

The lighting was very dramatic. There was hanging warehouse style lights, wall lights, lights behind the set, small lights along the front to up light and create stark shadows on the back wall,  plus the usual stage lighting. The rig for this is insane! The amount of effects, flickering, blinding, washes, all to create depth in the scenes. Sally Ferguson did a fantastic job with the lighting design. 

The set is made up of a smashed window on the top level where a lot of the ‘spooky’ action happens, with a slash curtain below to add to the warehouse, industrial feel. The floor has been sectioned out into a square main space which has a grated border around with grated leading to the centre, this is a clever way of helping the blind actor move around the stage, using these grates as markers to hit with his cane. The use of real candles is something you don’t see all too often these days but in this, there were lots of them, which really did make it all the more eerie. They also used a lot of fake blood which made the show the right amount of gory. Rachael Canning did an excellent job with the set and costume design.

I have to applaud the acting ability in this show. The whole cast worked so well together and threw so many emotions around the stage with gritty fights by Haruka Kuroda. Fantastically directed by Mark Babych

Oliver Alvin-Wilson who took on the mind blowing role of Macbeth executed the persona so well. There was almost a Jekyll & Hyde style acting as he flicked from being sane to hallucinating. It had that jarring effect you need for this role. He can also cry on command which is a huge skill in itself! It really added to the raw emotion throughout.

Jo Mousley as Lady Macbeth, has an underlying fear that is later unveiled as she sleep walks. Jo plays this character so strongly with the slight nervousness she needs. Incredible!

Benjamin Wilson as Ross brought most of the humour that occasionally peeps through the dark story. I thoroughly enjoyed the line ‘I did not see him sir’ as he held up his cane which is a clever way of interpreting the script. I’ve seen Benjamin in previous roles and he will never fail to amaze me with his talent and adaptations. 

Deborah Pugh, Josie Morley and Livie Dalee make up the three witches. Each have made their character their own yet come together as a team when they need to. It shows off their skills perfectly. I have to say the witches will forever be my favourite characters in Macbeth and this trio truly did the trick, if you will. The individuality mixed with the pack mentality was very pleasing. 

Cayvan Coates plays Malcom. There’s  some definite adolescent tendencies in the character which turns to pure anger as the show goes on. In many stagings of Macbeth, the character of Malcolm can feel like a mere footnote—a rightful heir waiting in the wings for the "real" drama to conclude. However, in this production, the performance was a revelatory take on the prince, transforming him from a secondary player into a formidable political force.

Daniel Poyser who plays Banquo does a stunning job of trying to be a friend who becomes a foe. This production finds its moral compass and its most haunting imagery in a standout performance by Daniel. 

Simon Trinder plays Macduff, the rival to Macbeth. From his first entrance, it was clear that this was not just a supporting role, but a masterclass in emotional progression.

Colin Hurley as Duncan and Porter did an excellent job and making each character so different. The performance of the King was so compelling that Duncan’s eventual exit felt like a genuine, devastating loss for the world of the play.

James Coutsavlis is the wonderful cover. Covers are so important to a production and sometimes they aren’t as appreciated as they should be. 

The creatives behind this production have really created something special with a fabulous cast and crew, well done. An easy 5 stars!

Catch Macbeth at Derby Theatre from Wednesday 1st - Saturday 18th April 2026.

Written By Kiah Smith