Note: This review is from the 2012 Fringe

Theatre / 150 min / £10(£8) / PG

Image credit: Stefan Heumann

Showing @ St Ninian’s Hall, 6-18 Aug, 19:30 (11 & 18, 14:30)

Modern adaptations and translations of Shakespeare’s work can divide audiences; a refreshing renovation to some, anathema to others. No doubt fully aware of this, Edinburgh Theatre Arts in association with RSC Open Stages is performing Robin Lorimer’s Scots translation of Macbeth. From the opening lines, one is struck by how extraordinary well Lorimer captured the tones and rhythms of the original text. Handled with considerable glossal dexterity by the cast, the dialogue flows like the same melody in a different key. And though the performances initially cut dangerously close to Shakespearean-thesp caricature, both acting and direction improve markedly (even becoming genuinely impressive) as the play gains momentum. While Edinburgh Theatre Art’s production won’t convert entrenched members of the thou-shalt-not camp, it certainly doesn’t do harm to the reformers.