Macbeth by the Sea is an hour-long absurdist comedy play produced by the American company John Hancock Productions. It is being shown at Venue 39: theSpace on the Mile and is directed by Andrea J. Dymond.
This satire of the famous Scottish play transforms the tragedy of Shakespeare’s Macbeth into a seaside comedy (or “comedie”, as it is advertised) set after the death of Banquo. In a version of the drama where Lady Macbeth has convinced her husband to take a break from the events of the original play, instead the audience is treated to watching these ill-fated monarchs having a relaxing stay at a seaside resort – just as funny and absurd as it sounds.
The four-person cast of Macbeth by the Sea consists of Ric Walker in the titular role, and validates his credentials as a professor of comedy writing and performance in his side-splitting performance, bringing to the show an abundance of energy that left the audience buzzing. Playing his wife (the traditionally calculating Lady Macbeth) is Wendi Webber, who can also be found wielding puppets and providing her own echo as two of the three witches.
Lori McClain’s principle parts in the show consist of the third witch and the Lieutenant. Where her co-stars appear to thrive with over-the-top melodrama, McClain’s comedic value is quieter and focused more on one-line quips and parodies of Macbeth quotes.
The final cast member is Joe Janes, who is also to be credited for writing the script. Janes undertakes more roles than anyone else in this production – from king-turned-masseuse to the narratively aware porter. All of Janes’ roles are characterised by his slapstick melodrama, which makes it near impossible for the audience to take their eyes off of him.
Complete with a woggle fight to the death, choreographed by David Wooley, Macbeth by the Sea is not a show to be missed this fringe. The bizarre jokes and slapstick comedy encapsulate what I have always found so appealing about the Edinburgh Fringe, and I strongly urge anyone wanting a little light-hearted amusement in their life to buy a ticket.
