You know it's going to be a good night at the theatre when the usher is a cranky, gun-toting African rebel in combat fatigues, fish net singlet and a large pink wig, who leads you though the back door of the Playhouse into a
smoky room where witch doctors and soldiers, half shrouded by smoke, gyrate to tribal rhythms. Welcome to the world of Macbeth: a vision of a modern day Africa riven by bloody insurrections and ambitious leaders turned tin-pot tyrants.

The Out of Joint theatre company have created an edgy, atmosphere charged production of "the Scottish play" through an imaginative use of space and setting, leading the audience from the workshop area to the forestage, and
even a brief excursion to the stage itself, where it is the audience members themselves that are guests at the great banquet thrown to celebrate Macbeth's accession to the throne. If this uncoventional staging were simply a gimmick, you'd probably still be happy to get a free tour of the Playhouse while catching a show at the same time. But it is much more than a gimmick; the claustrophobic mood of Shakespeare's language is only intensified by the deliberate constrictions of space (prepare to find yourself jostling for elbow room on occasions) and the nervy experience of being corralled into small spaces by distinctly edgy soldiers.

Danny Sapani is mesmerizing in the lead role. His portrayal of Macbeth's disintegration from brave soldier to violent thug is utterly convincing, the more so since the acts of barbarism carried out in his name become, under Max Stafford-Clark's direction, the depressingly familiar atrocities of modern day war crimes. Monica Dolan's Lady Macbeth is another electrifying performance, her naked ambition barely clothed by an outwardly svelte charm.

This production of Macbeth has to be one of the standout shows of the year, combining creative flair and daring with strong performances and thoughtful production. If you are still able to buy tickets in this limited run, do so. If not, you might want to think about a drive to Bolton for their run at the Union Mill next week.

Justin Beplate, 21.09.04