SHAKESPEARE’S MACBETH
A REVIEWING BRIEF
Due Date:
After months of preparation and planning, you would think once the play is up and running some
of the pressure would be off- but no! Often plays will have a press night where reviewers,
journalists, and influencers are invited to watch the show and share their thoughts. As a wellknown Edmonton journalist/influencer, you have been invited to the opening night of the play!
Your opinion is highly valued and you are asked to review the play. Reviews will help other
people decide on whether they would like to watch/read the play or not. Your review will appear
in newspapers, online and on social media often with a star rating.
USE THE GUIDE BELOW TO WRITE YOUR REVIEW:
1. Make a heading
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Write the title of the production and that it was written by William Shakespeare.
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Write your name.
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You can include a graphic/image to represent the play
2. Set the Scene (Context) (2 paragraph)
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Give a brief description of the Elizabethan era and Shakespeare’s life, assuming that the
reader has never heard about Shakespeare before.
Mention the type of play (e.g. comedy, history, tragedy). You may choose to add when
the play was written or published.
Explain why Macbeth is considered a tragic hero
Explain 1 of the major themes of the play – its main subjects or message.
3. Narrative and Character Development (2 paragraph)
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Write a summary of the plot of the play.
Introduce the main characters (Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Duncan, Banquo, Macduff, The
Witches) and explain the significance of their role in the play.
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Explain the relationships between the characters, including their feelings towards one
another
Identify and explain one conflict that is seen in the play
4. Important Quotes (3 Quotes)
Find 3 quotes from the play that you think reflect the play’s theme. After listing the quote,
analyze its significance in helping to developing the theme.
5. Personal Thoughts (1 paragraph)
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How did you feel at the end?
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What are your lasting impressions of the play?
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Should Macbeth be read as part of the curriculum?
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What moral lessons did you take away from the play?
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Is Macbeth a sympathetic character? Should we feel sorry for him?
6. Star Rating
General Guidelines for submission:
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Your review should include a heading
Your review should be 5 paragraphs long
Your review should include 3 quotes
Your official review should be typed out, not hand-written.
Your review should be double-spaced.
Your review can include an image
Your review can include any other information you consider relevant/ interesting about
the play
You may work together with a partner