Macbeth - Shakespeare 4 Kidz @ Lowry, Salford
By This Is Lancashire reporter
 
IT is hardly surprising that Shakespeare 4 Kidz has been running for 10 years. They brought their superb reworking of the Scottish play to the Lowry for one night only this week.

The tale of three witches, two friends and one crown comes to life in this is musical adaptation, which children and adults will both love.

The set was striking yet simple with a castle as the backdrop and an ever-changing screen to 'set the scene'. Rumbling thunder and dry ice gave the eerie impression of the blasted heath where Macbeth and Banquo are hailed by the three witches who make their prophecies and disappear.

Macbeth is already Thane of Glamis (the first prophecy), who is astonished when he suddenly becomes Thane of Cawdor (the second). He is then told he will soon become King (the third). Macbeth soon realises, to reach his ambition two people will have to die. It is at this point he and Lady Macbeth get a taste of power and soon start to plot and scheme their way to the throne, woe betide anyone that gets in their way.

The musical score is excellent and really helps to create an ambience. The performances from Macbeth (Jason Lee Scott), the Queen (Filipa Jeronimo) and Macduff (Matthew Harper) are very strong indeed.

My seven-year-old son also really enjoyed Macbeth. He has never experienced any Shakespeare until now, however I think he is now hooked and it won't be long before he is 'treading the boards'.

One of our favourite characters was the Porter who told tales of his previous night's revelling, did a merry dance, told 'knock knock' jokes and talked about 'equivocators'. The audience participated in his drunken ramblings and fun.

I only wish that S4K were around when I was at school as it made Macbeth understandable, clear and lots of fun, through song, dance and 'ironed out' English.

A definite must see for all the family next time they are in town!

Tam Eddison