A Performance of Macbeth (1978)
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70% of users liked it
(834 ratings)
This 1976 Royal Shakespeare Company production of Macbeth was originally broadcast on Thames Television in 1978. The company's artistic director Trevor Dunn directs the cast on a small bare stage with mostly black costumes and minimal props. After the witches (Susan Dury, Judith Harte, Marie… More This 1976 Royal Shakespeare Company production of Macbeth was originally broadcast on Thames Television in 1978. The company's artistic director Trevor Dunn directs the cast on a small bare stage with mostly black costumes and minimal props. After the witches (Susan Dury, Judith Harte, Marie Kean) announce the prophecy that Macbeth (Ian McKellen) will be the next king, the elderly King Duncan (Griffith Jones) proclaims that his son, Malcolm (Roger Rees), will be heir to the throne. Lady Macbeth (Judi Dench) learns about the witches' prophecy in a letter, prompting he to ask the gods to remove her femininity so she can make her weak husband kill the king. When Duncan comes to visit Macbeth's castle, he is murdered in his sleep. Macbeth kills the guards, claiming they were the murderers. In fear of their own lives, Duncan's sons flee the country and Macbeth is crowned King of Scotland. Riddled with guilt, Macbeth goes mad and sees horrible visions while the witches announce the prophecy of his downfall. Also starring John Woodvine as Banquo, Ian McDiarmid as the porter, and Bob Peck as Macduff. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi
- Directed By
- Philip Casson
- Written By
- Trevor Nunn
- Genres
- Drama, Television
Unrated,
- On DVD
- Sep 28, 2004
- Studio
- A & E
Critic Reviews
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Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film
Little has been added for a TV audience that wouldn't have been present in the original stage version, which begs the question, why bother?
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Cast
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Ian McKellen
as Macbeth
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Judi Dench
as Lady Macbeth
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Griffith Jones
as Duncan
- Marie Kean
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Ian McDiarmid
as The porter
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Bob Peck
as Macduff
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Roger Rees
as Malcolm
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John Woodvine
as Banquo
- Susan Dury
- Judith Harte
