The Devil Speaks True

‘Shakespeare’s Macbeth as told by Banquo’ craftily presented Banquo’s own tragedy while reconstructing the Scottish Play in near-darkness with recorded voice-overs, sound effects and first-hand accounts of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These authentic recollections of war were beautifully effective. They were illuminated by virtuoso performances from dancer Neil Callaghan as an agile squaddie/Banquo and of Brian Lonsdale’s recording of a sensitive, Geordie Banquo. So far so good, but Macbeth’s voice-over was poorly read. Furthermore, the immersive effects, which included acrid aerosol smells, were confusing and unconvincing. A straightforward radio play incorporating the war stories would have moved me more deeply.

Studio Theatre, Brighton Dome, 19 March 2016

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