The Grange Theatre, Hartford, Northwich – until 4 October 2025
Reviewed by Carla Whittaker
5*****
Taking on Shakespeare is never an easy undertaking, and Macbeth is perhaps one of the most daunting of all his plays. Audiences inevitably arrive with expectations, shaped by grand Stratford-upon-Avon productions or smaller local interpretations, and the standard is always set high. The Grange Theatre’s latest staging, however, rose confidently to the challenge. With a cast of exceptionally talented North West actors, the production remained faithful to Shakespeare’s text while brimming with energy and psychological intensity. To enjoy such a high-quality performance in such a beautiful theatre, only minutes from home, felt like a real privilege.
At its heart, Macbeth is a story of ambition, power, and moral decline. When a prophecy promises Macbeth the crown, he and his wife set in motion a spiral of manipulation, violence, and paranoia that changes both their fate and that of Scotland. This production leaned heavily into the psychological aspects of the tale, highlighting the corrosive pull of ambition, the torment of guilt, and the devastating cost of unchecked desire. It was a stark reminder of why the play still resonates more than 400 years after it was first performed.
The cast brought Shakespeare’s words to life with clarity, conviction, and remarkable emotional depth. Matt Concannon’s Macbeth was commanding from his first entrance, capturing the soldier’s initial assurance before slowly unravelling into fragility and paranoia. His performance after Banquo’s death was layered with desperation and torment, embodying a man consumed by conscience.
Opposite him, Daneka Etchells was magnetic as Lady Macbeth. She commanded the early scenes with icy determination, only to let us witness her gradual disintegration. Her sleepwalking scene was chillingly effective – a masterclass in silence, tension, and broken fragility that left the audience spellbound. Etchells managed to make Lady Macbeth both terrifying and strangely pitiable.
Ben Simon delivered a deeply moving performance as Macduff, his grief palpable when confronted with the loss of his family. His transformation from nobleman to avenger was powerfully drawn, and his final confrontation with Macbeth carried weight because of the emotional journey he had taken us on.
As Banquo, Lamin Touro gave a grounded, authentic performance marked by loyalty and quiet strength. His ghostly return was one of the evening’s most striking moments, unsettling Macbeth and shifting the entire energy of the stage. Meanwhile, Isobel Coward made a strong impression in the roles of Ross and Donalbain, particularly as Ross, reminding us of the importance of characters who are often overlooked yet vital in driving the story forward.
What stood out most was the cohesion of the ensemble. Each actor lifted the others, creating a synergy that kept the production taut and compelling from beginning to end.
Under the assured direction of Thomas Frith, with support from Ben Simon, the production never lost momentum. The decision to bring the stage close to the audience made the performance intimate and immersive, drawing us directly into the psychological world of the characters. Frith’s vision emphasised the darker, unsettling edges of the play, without overplaying them, so that every scene was charged with meaning and tension.
The staging was both elegant and symbolic. A large, upturned crown dominated the set, reimagined throughout as a crown, a forest, and a castle – a powerful reminder of ambition’s fragility and the inevitability of downfall. Sound design added further atmosphere, with a steady drumbeat welcoming the audience and building anticipation before the play even began. Credit must go to Emily Stone, whose work heightened tension at just the right moments. Lighting and effects were equally well-judged, enhancing the mood while keeping focus firmly on the performances.
The Grange Theatre itself proved the perfect setting. Intimate yet airy, it created a sense of closeness without the “stuffy” feel that some theatres can have. Audience reactions – gasps, silences, and applause – reflected how deeply the production struck its mark. Personally, I was captivated throughout. The stripped-back set, psychological focus, and calibre of the performances made it feel both raw and refreshing. Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene was, for me, the most unforgettable moment: harrowing, moving, and hauntingly beautiful. If I had one complaint, it was simply that the production ended too soon – such was the strength of the performances, I would gladly have watched more.
The warmth of the theatre’s atmosphere was mirrored by its staff. From the front of house team to the beverage bar, everyone was friendly, approachable, and genuinely passionate about what they do. The bar was reasonably priced, and the complimentary interval drink was a thoughtful gesture that added to the experience. Parking was excellent, with plenty of accessible spaces for disabled visitors. It all contributed to the sense that The Grange Theatre is a hidden gem – inclusive, welcoming, and a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
This was Shakespeare at its very best: authentic, engaging, and emotionally powerful. The Grange Theatre’s Macbeth was a triumph of direction, staging, and performance – a production that will linger long in the memory.
Last night was truly an unmissable experience for Shakespeare enthusiasts and anyone ready to be immersed in a gripping psychological tragedy.
Macbeth runs at The Grange Theatre until 4 October 2025. Don’t miss it.