Macbeth, Trafalgar Studios. **

This Jamie Lloyd production of Macbeth was set in a dystopian Scotland in the near future which mirrored the power struggle of the middle ages. There was a lot of theatrics with flashing light and torches in darkness, blood and gore, chaos and anarchy. The problem was none of this can lift a dull production with momentary flashes of great performance by James McAvoy in scenes as he was dealing with his demons. The play can just about be read in this futuristic dystopian setting along with post traumatic disorder but with its witchcraft and ghostly apparitions so strongly hinted at historical mythology, it felt oddly detached. Claire Foy as Lady Macbeth was also one dimensional who was in a persistent state of mild agitation and hysterics with no contrast of emotions. It was a brave and interesting production but unfortunately not a great success.