By Mr Stratton (Director of Drama and Dance)

On Thursday 3rd October, I had the pleasure of taking our GCSE and A Level students to see Flabbergast Theatre Company’s production of Macbeth at The Quarry Theatre. One of the standout elements of the performance was the sound design. The atmospheric sounds and music created an immersive experience that heightened the tension and drama of the play. Equally impressive were the costumes. The attention to detail in the costume design was remarkable and the ensemble, all dressed the same, communicated themes of paganism and battle stained soldiers effectively. 

Polly Taylor (Upper Sixth) said “It was so exciting to get to watch Macbeth at The Quarry theatre. As a year 13 student who has to analyse live theatre for my exams, it was really inspiring to get to watch such a captivating performance. I absolutely loved the use of live sound design throughout the performance along with the moments of ensemble throughout.” 

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the production was the imaginative revitalisation of the text. Flabbergast brought a fresh perspective to Shakespeare’s classic, infusing it with innovative staging and dynamic performances. The actors’ interpretations of their roles were both powerful and nuanced, breathing new life into this classic text. Darcey Griffiths (Year 10) added: “The interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic was innovative and immersive, truly bringing the theme of madness to life. The experience will greatly support me in my course as it has provided a deeper understanding of dramatic techniques.” 

Imogen Blower (Year 11) reflected: “At first, I found the experience very unusual. As I began to further understand the intentions of the drama group, I enjoyed the performance more and their acting was phenomenal and truly believable. They made me feel very uncomfortable and I think that was highly deserved through their physical and non-naturalistic performances.” 

The combination of exceptional sound design, detailed costumes, and a creative approach to the text made this theatre trip an unforgettable educational experience.