Trip to Macbeth

Trip To RBL’s Macbeth, on Wednesday 6th November.

Last Wednesday the English and Drama Departments took some of the cast from last year’s production of Macbeth to see a professional performance in Reading’s impressive Minster. A visit to any Shakespeare tragedy is an ambitious undertaking for a school and this production was not modified in any way for school children, so we were asking an awful lot of our 12 to 15 year olds. We felt confident though, that their familiarity with the play would make it accessible, enjoyable and, of course, educational.

The high-quality production challenged us all with its gender role reversals, modern set and experimental music but the buzz amongst us at the interval was proof that the visit was a resounding success. I was astounded at some of the insightful comments made by students, which showed that they were really reflecting upon the way in which Shakespeare can be relevant to a modern audience.

One member of staff commented that, “ if the Bard had been alive today, this is the Macbeth he would have produced”; a student declared that it was, “Absolutely terrifying but I so get it – and no, you won’t be in trouble with parents Miss!” and another questioned the contrast between the religious venue and the dreadful sins committed in the play. But perhaps, most significantly, the fact Mr Ross did not say, “But our version was better” tells us all how inspirational the visit was.