RSC - Royal Shakespeare Company UK – Cashback, Rebates & Rewards

I rarely write reviews but on this occasion, I feel motivated to do so. My grandson is doing is GCSEs this coming year; they started Macbeth last year and it will continue to be one of their GCSE texts this year. I thought I would take him and three friends to see a live performance. We live in a London suburb and I am aware Macbeth is coming to the Globe in October, but I have been attending RSC productions for years and never been disappointed so I thought we would travel to Stratford and make a night of it. We had a quiz during the car journey and I was impressed how well they knew and understood the play. So, to the production. I love the RSC. This is the first time my grandson has attended a live production. Reviewer Katy Roberts, in the Central Drama Review, uses the word self-indulgent. Absolutely. My own view is that this production is for the director/ producer and whoever else decided on the approach. It is not for the audience. Instead of just over two hours, over three hours in length. The pace of the play failed. We have Queen Duncan. She then appears at the end as a different character. Banquo is also played by a woman. A Scottish female playing the part of Banquo might have worked but not when she alters Banquo's character. At certain moments Banquo resembled a Scottish comedian, who is no doubt very funny BUT Banquo is not funny. Malcolm and Donalbain are also played by women; also they do not present the characters in a way that as either my grandson and friends, or I, could recognise. Lady Macbeth was weak and did not present as the ambitious, driving force I have understood her to be. As for the Porter's scene - had I been at Comedy Central or the Apollo then it would have been appropriate. Finally, the fight between Macbeth and Macduff at the end - on and on, with all the effectiveness of a wrestling match. I am a retired educator. My message to pupils when they were writing a story etc. was to remember to consider their audience. I would agree with the term - self-indulgent. I was very disappointed.

We have been to many performances at this theatre over the years but this was our first time doing the 'behind the scenes' tour. Just amazing the work, commitment and passion that everyone puts in to enabling these performances A friendly, knowledgeable guide, with an obvious passion for the theatre showed us 'behind the velvet curtain' to see costumes, lighting, sound and stage and we had a rare visit to the wings that made this a trip to remember! Not to mention the Shakespeare museum with its interactive displays and a rare original copy of the 2nd portfolio... Just a tremendous hour that even engaged our teenage children. Just a shame there are only 5 stars to give!

We watched a good performance of Alls Well That Ends Well. The actors were great and the staff were friendly. We were also able to take a tour of the theatre from knowledgeable tourguides and look around the museum which was really interesting. There is also a shop which was full of lovely items I wanted to buy. The only disappoinment was the food from the cafe, which wasn't the best. Hopefully this was a one off and would be better on another visit.

Really great experience and friendly staff

If you visit Stratford-Upon-Avon set aside a couple of hours to visit the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Unfortunately I didn't have time to see any productions but had a coffee and a wander around the place. No charge to go in, large gift shop, two coffee shops and a bar, lovely.