Macbeth
PLOT SUMMARY
Written by William Shakespeare
First publically performed in 1611
Tragedy
Key characters include Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, The Witches, Macduff and Malcolm
Double, double toil and trouble: Fire burn, and cauldron bubble (Witches, Act IV Scene 1)
Macbeth is a timeless tragedy that delves into the corrosive effects of unchecked ambition. Set against the backdrop of medieval Scotland, the play follows the tragic downfall of Macbeth, a loyal warrior.
On his return from war, three witches offer Macbeth the prospect of ultimate control when they prophesise that he will become King. Desperate for a new future, he and his wife set out to make it a reality by unleashing a devastating chain of events using any means necessary to hold on to power as the world collapses around them.
MEET THE CHARACTERS
PAST PRODUCTIONS
In 2023 Director Abigail Graham debued in the Globe Theatre with Shakespeare’s epic tale, exploring the impact and exploitation of unexpressed grief.
2001 – dir. Tim Carroll
2010 – dir. Lucy Bailey
2010/11 – performed for Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank
2013 – watch now on Globe Player
2015 – performed as part of Globe to Globe
2016 – dir. Iqbal Khan
2018 – dir. Rob Hastie
2019/20 – performed for Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank
2021 – performed for Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank
2023 – dir. Abigail Graham
WATCH ON GLOBE PLAYER
Macbeth (2013)
Eve Best directs this dark and gripping version of Macbeth on the Globe stage, starring Joseph Millson and Samantha Spiro. Watch now via Globe Player.
Discover MoreUPCOMING EVENTS
SHOP THE RANGE
All the best-known quotes from Shakespeare’s tale of magic and betrayal on a 100% cotton bag. Our bags have medium length handles making them ideal for carrying by hand or over your shoulder.
Traditional Toe of Frog gathered at midnight on All Hallow’s eve. Fabulous for any number of potions and hexes (or eat straight from the jar). Notes for non-witches: fruit flavoured jelly beans in a glass jar.
Explore the full Macbeth collection including print-to-order posters of past productions of the play at the Globe Theatre, play scripts and even graphic novel versions of the play for younger readers.
MACBETH BLOGS
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