Macbeth ****

Trafalgar Studios, London

EXCERPT: “It is indeed McAvoy’s magnetism that shines through.”

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Jamie Lloyd’s production of Macbeth is as gritty and dark as Soutra Gilmour’s stunningly distressed set. The inaugural production for Lloyd’s Trafalgar Transformed season of plays, tickets are flying off the shelves – and not only because of the £15 Mondays outreach scheme. A bearded James McAvoy (Atonement, The Last King of Scotland) heads up an almost wholly Scottish cast in this modern(ish) Scotland-set revival.

It is indeed McAvoy’s magnetism that shines through. Highlights span from the lust and sexual tension he brings to his relationship with Lady Macbeth (played convincingly though somewhat understatedly by Claire Foy); to the unthinkably horrific precision behind the murder of MacDuff’s daughter; to the intuitively realistic batting away motions he makes during his infamous dagger speech, performed without tangible or visual aid.

Although the supporting cast were universally strong, my memory of the production is characterised by these snapshots of powerful brilliance, and parts without McAvoy onstage did sometimes lag. There could have been more effective cutting and a greater attempt made to differentiate scenes, just to add a little variety into proceedings. Although I have quibbles with the excessive gore (the mutilated head provoked derisive snorts of laughter not shocked repulsion; while spurting blood from the ceiling just proved distracting when it spotted front-row audience members), as well as some of the costuming choices (surely it would have been natural for Lady M to make a little more effort to receive King Duncan?), it was a beautifully put together production, with interesting additions (e.g. the gas-masked witches), thoughtful performances, and – clincher of all clinchers – a superb and emotionally charismatic performance by a real heartthrob.

Macbeth is running until 27th April; find out more about the production or buy tickets here. £15 Monday tickets will be released on the first of every month.