Theatre / “Macbeth”, directed by Peter Evans, Bell Shakespeare. At The Playhouse, until April 22. Reviewed by JOE WOODWARD.

AN extraordinary symbiotic performance by Hazem Shammas and Jessica Tovey injected a fresh life into Shakespeare’s psychological drama about the consequences of separating one’s actions from a suppressed source of conscience.

Peter Evans directed an exceptionally focused production of “Macbeth”; perhaps Shakespeare’s most deceptively simply play. A combination of very skilled acting, an uncluttered set, highly effective ensemble movement and the use of stillness and silence ensured a deeply moving and engaging theatre experience of a play so well-known that many of its lines could easily descend into banality.

We see ghosts evoked by supernatural powers, possibly all part of Macbeth’s mind, very effectively shown using design elements created by Anne Tregloan, Damien Cooper and Max Lyandvert. Nigel Poulton’s work as movement, fight and intimacy director added some very tension-filled moments while also creating strong relationships on stage.

The platform was laid by the very clever dramaturgy of Evans. The production had a strong sense of unity in all its elements. This allowed the actors to do their work and engage an audience in the psychological dimensions of resultant guilt and the abhorrence of the Machiavellian action that is the providence of despots and unscrupulous narcissism in all walks of our lives.

Shammas’s Macbeth comes across as a wretched creature stripped of the basic layers of empathetic connection with fellow human beings. He plays as the charismatic figure to the other figures of power showing his vulnerable side only to his wife, Lady Macbeth.

Tovey’s performance in the role was a revelation. She is surprisingly warm, highly intelligent and engaging in ways that are both enhanced by and enhancing of Macbeth’s growing duality of character. We see her transitioning largely in the silences between words and in listening to the ranting of her husband. The way Shammas and Tovey worked their relationship in these roles was an absolute top masterclass in performance.

Bell Shakespeare have often seemed to struggle with tragedy while showing a great aptitude for most of their comedy productions. “Richard 3” some years ago provided a dramaturgical break-through.

This production of “Macbeth” provides the actors with avenues to release genuine power, depth and haunting sides to humanity; it taps into the spiritual ennui of ambition and its consequences. It breathes much more than words. “Macbeth” has the power to sculpt lingering dreams that maybe one should treat very carefully in one’s everyday world!