This review was originally written for The Reviews Hub: https://www.thereviewshub.com/camden-fringe-2025-macbeth-solo-old-red-lion-theatre-london/

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The mercurial Macbeth is brought to life with close intimacy in this compelling one-man adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy.

Paul Goodwin, who also performs the piece, brings together in this version of Hamlet many of the tragedy’s other leading characters, condensing the piece into less than an hour, and drawing out much of the eponymous tragic hero’s mental decline with it. Goodwin’s tireless performance is powerful, deftly navigating Macbeth’s many mood swings with ease, leading to a strong and, unusually for this story, moving conclusion.

That said, this production does suffer when other characters are included. Given the show’s brief runtime, the production just about gives enough emphasis to Macbeth’s mania, but this is diluted when Goodwin shifts from the murderous usurper to roles such as the devious Lady Macbeth or noble Macduff. These switches in character produce an unfortunate tonal shift that causes some of the piece to misfire, and it may have been more interesting to give Macbeth some of these lines instead, to further the play’s close following of Macbeth’s descent into madness.

Nevertheless, Goodwin’s portrayal of the illegitimate King is well-crafted. Goodwin’s fierce tension in every movement, piercing eye contact, and rigid enunciation draw out Macbeth’s erratic self well. The script also enables some humour to be evoked, too, seen in the abridged Act Three, where Macbeth joins the audience to immerse viewers in the guilt-ridden banquet scene. This is a successful choice, forcing the audience to confront Banquo’s ghost with Macbeth rather than as a spectator, heightening the scene’s tension.

Despite the speed the piece romps through the play, there is enough in Macbeth (solo), especially in Goodwin’s delivery, that makes the play compelling viewing. While there is a sense that we are just watching the play’s ’Greatest Hits Moments’, and some of these could have been repurposed for greater effect, Goodwin nonetheless draws out Macbeth’s torment successfully.