Mix the spirit of Hallowe’en and the explosive sedition of Guy Fawkes Night together, and you have the Tricycle Theatre’s production of Macbeth.
The witches’ pyromania engulfs and spurs on Macbeth’s megalomania.When the witches call up their masters, the images of the helmet, the bloody baby and the crown ignite in flames and set alight three slow-burning strips. Wayne Dowdeswell’s pyrotechnics are perfectly timed to add to the drama.
Lennie James’s Macbeth sets the pace as the bold but tormented warrior who sees the witches’ cryptic predictions rapidly come true. Nicholas Kent’s direction uses Christine Marfleet’s metal-shrouded stage to enhance the play’s claustrophobic feel. This inflammable production will not fail to rivet students of all ages.
Tricycle Theatre, London NW6. Until November 18. Telephone 0171-328 1000 for school bookings. Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes