The Scottish Play …..

Today there’s yet another cultural experience - a performance of Macbeth at Conwy Castle. We’re blessed with warm dry weather to enjoy our pre-performance picnic as well as the play itself. 

Usually we see the Lord Chamberlain’s Men at this venue - an all male group who we’ve come to love - not least for the singing that they incorporate into their performances.  Tonight it’s the Duke’s Theatre company with two women joining the male contingent. As usual, one has to admire the way minimal scenery and multiple parts are used in telling the story, but this is a rather ‘shouty’ performance.  They all have radio mics, so I’m not sure why the intensity is needed, and it means the whole play is at this constant frenetic level. It’s not helped by the fact our last Macbeth was with David Tenant and Cush Jumbo when the audiences headphones meant the delivery was often almost whispered! Of course, the setting of the castle is superb, even though it’s seagulls rather than ravens that ‘croak the fatal entrance of Duncan’ at the Macbeth’s castle! 

Today’s blip shows the set within the castle - the orange scaffolding poles play various parts in the play - weapons, flag poles, the trees of Birnam Wood. 
There’s a photo of us in extras - G looking particularly fetching in his bucket hat! 

It’s been a pretty full-on week - I’m looking forward to a very quiet weekend!