2001 reviews

BBC Review of Macbeth:

"Forget widescreen, the direction is truly astounding with the actors using the full scope of the ‘stage’, a real piper somewhere over in the distance, murmuring from behind the stage. This is surround sound.

The cast is accomplished with so many strong performances led by Robert J Williamson as a measuredly psychotic Macbeth in league with Claire Marchionne’s mesmerising Lady Macbeth.

The staging and costumes complimented the performance but had moments of inspiration with just enough surprises planted and subtle touches to make you wonder what will happen next.

As the light fades, it dawns on you how well this works. Try to stop yourself feeling part of the play. Where does this end? Why not use the castle balconies and windows, the caves… no .. the next step is surely to control the weather for The Tempest.

“At once, good night: Stand not upon the order of your going, But go at once" BBC Online

"I watched Macbeth on the 16th August and The Taming of the Shrew on the 17th, and had a wonderful time. An absolute delight." Councillor Joan Casson, Sheriff of Nottingham

BBC Review of The Taming of the Shrew:

"...as the light faded the illuminated Nottingham Castle formed a fitting backdrop to one of Shakespeare’s finest works.

To sum up, Tinker Christopher Sly is tricked into thinking he’s an aristocrat after being roused from a drunken stupor. He’s then persuaded to watch a play where Petruchio woos the elder daughter, Katherine (the Shrew) of Baptista Minola so that her beautiful younger sister Bianca can also marry.
In typical Shakespearean manner, the plot develops to include confusion and deception which inevitably leads to some almost farcical consequences.

With a few exceptions, the cast led by Nicholas Smith (Mr. Rumbold from TV’s Are You Being Served) helped the audience to forget the autumnal weather and become involved in the fast-moving story of love, cunning and rivalry.

This was the Bard's comedy at its best; real belly-laughs as opposed to stifled mirth. And combined with the open-air setting and a glass of wine or two it formed a perfect summer evening's entertainment." BBC Online

"Just 100% pure Bard with bags of passion." Nottingham Evening Post

"This is a high-octane production of such zest and freshness you feel almost as if you are present at the very first performance of the piece." Ilkley Gazette

Robert J Williamson as Macbeth

Claire Marchionne as Lady Macbeth

Nicolas Smith (Mr Rumbold in Are You Being Served?) and Michael Gabe