Macbeth The What?
Character
Physicality/character description
Actor
First Witch
‘Pocket rocket’, i.e. small and female, ideally with
standard RP
A1
Second Witch
‘Pocket rocket’, i.e. small and female, ideally with a
harsh Scottish accent.
A2
Macbeth
Played as a narcissistic weakling, so ideally a
strapping male
A3
Banquo
Any, male
A4
Fleance
Small, male
A5
Duncan
Tall, male, with gravitas
A6
Malcolm
Ideally matching Macduff
A7
Lady Macbeth
Tall, dominant personality
A8
First Guard
First Witch
A1
Second Guard
Second Witch
A2
Porter
Any, male. Small character part
A5
Macduff
The hero, needs physicality and bearing to reflect that
A9
Lennox
See Duncan
A6
First Murderer
First Witch
A1
Second Murderer
Second Witch
A2
Lady Macduff
Any, female. Small character part
A10
Messenger
Any, m/f
A5
Doctor
Any, m/f
A4
Gentlewoman
See Lady Macduff
A10
Menteith
Any, m/f
A6
Angus
See Lady Macduff
A10
Seyton
Any, m/f
A4
Warriors
Macbeth army
A1, A3, A4, A10
Warriors
Macduff army
A2, A5, A6, A7, A9
Young Siward
Second Witch
A2
Other non-speaking roles to be played by members of the cast.
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 1 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Rehearsal and Casting Notes
Rehearsals will start in January and run on Sunday afternoons and either a Wednesday or
Thursday evening. Two performances have been booked, one at Carlops on Friday 28th
March and one at Eastgate on Thursday 2nd April. One or two more may be added around
those dates if suitable venues can be found. The intention is to take this show to the
Edinburgh Fringe in the week of 10th August. To prepare for this, there will be a week of
daytime rehearsals starting Monday 27th July. It is likely that the actors will be required for
pre-show publicity efforts (i.e. flyering) in Edinburgh from 7th August onwards.
The adaptation has been written for 10 actors, as indicated above. Depending on how many
show an interest in the whole project, we may be able to increase the number of actors taking
part by eliminating some of the dual casting above. The multiple roles assigned to A1 and A2
will, however, each be played by just one actor.
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 2 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Sound
Cue 1 [Music intro followed by crashing thunder and lightning]
Blank set.
Scene 1
Act 1 Scene 1 : A Space
Two witches enter, seemingly unaware that they are a witch short of a cauldron
First Witch
When shall we three meet again? (Glances around, sees there is only
one other witch. A bit more loudly this time) When shall we three
meet again? (Still no third witch. First Witch sticks hands on hips and
gets a bit annoyed) Look, where’s Griselda?
Second Witch
She couldn’t make it – we’re right out of newts legs, rat’s tails and
snake’s eyes, so she’s away to Asda to stock up.
First Witch
Tcch! A witch short of a cauldron again! (Indicating audience) This lot
will think we’re bonkers.
Second Witch
Yes, (pause) we can!
First Witch
But at least we can still tell the future. (Breaks character, to audience,
to make sure they’ve got the jokes) Come on, come on, that’s two
gags already! You can laugh you know. (Back into character) When
shall we (looks around, tuts) both meet again, in thunder, lightning or
in rain?
Second Witch
When the hurly-burly’s done, when the battle’s lost and won, upon the
heath.
First Witch
Then to the heath, there to meet with Macbeth. (Exeunt)
Sound
Cue 2 [Music intro]
Scene 2
Act 1 Scene 3 : A Heath
Enter Macbeth and Banquo
Macbeth
So foul and fair a day I have not seen. (Wimpishly) I should’ve
brought my raincoat. I’m going to get soaked.
Banquo
(Slightly incredulously) My fearless warrior lord, art thou afraid of mere
drops of rain?
Macbeth
It’s just that Lady Macbeth goes mad if I come home all wet.
Banquo
She’s not your mother!
Macbeth
Have you met her?
Enter Witches
Banquo
Look, never mind all that, (indicates Witches) what are these, so
withered and wild in their attire?
First Witch
All hail, Macbeth, Macbeth.
Macbeth
You know my name?
First Witch
It was just an inspired guess.
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 3 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Banquo
Wait a minute, shouldn’t there be three of you?
Second Witch
Yes, but we’re a witch short of a cauldron tonight [or whatever time of
day the show is being performed] .
Banquo
You evil creatures!
Second Witch
Yes (pause) we can!
Macbeth
(Pause) I hear that you can foretell the future.
First Witch
(Stepping out of character, to audience) Come on, come on, that’s the
second time some of you’ve missed that joke. Now stay with it or I’ll
put a curse on you, like making you listen to hours and hours of One
Direction.
Second Witch
Or Busted!
First Witch
Or Take That.
Macbeth
Enough, evil creatures of the night! Tell the future, for me.
Witches
Hail, hail, hail! Hail, hail, hail!
Banquo
No, no, no, not the weather, give us a prediction.
Second Witch
Hail to Macbeth, thou shalt be Thane of Glamis.
First Witch
Macbeth, thou shalt be Thane of Cawdor.
Macbeth
Thane? Thane? What the heck’s a Thane?
First Witch
Go look it up on Wikipedia ducky.
Second Witch
And you shall be King hereafter.
Macbeth
(A little vainly) Does this mean I’m going to become King?
First Witch
Pay attention! She’s just said that!
Second Witch
And you Banquo.......
Banquo
(Expectantly) Yes....
Second Witch
.....won’t be King, (pause) yet you will be royal.
Banquo
(Affected, to Macbeth) Oh. Oh, does this, does this mean I’m going
to be Queen?
Macbeth
Don’t push your luck.
First Witch
Less than Macbeth, but greater.
Second Witch
Not so happy, yet much happier.
First Witch
Thou shalt get kings.....
Second Witch
....though thou be none.
First Witch
(To Macbeth) Macbeth, the Crown will sit upon your issue.
Macbeth
My what?
First Witch
(In exasperation) Issue!
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Page 4 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Second Witch
(In exasperation) Yr’issue! Yr’issue!
Witches
(Sung) All fall down!
Banquo
Macbeth, we should fly hence. These creatures are possessed by
some wicked being.
Witches
We should be so lucky!
Banquo
Come, Macbeth, hence (aside) before the jokes get any worse.
Macbeth
(Vainly) No, stay you imperfect creatures, tell me more. Say from
whence you owe this strange intelligence or why you stop upon this
blasted heath with such prophetic greeting. Your future King
commands you speak!
Witches
Time’s up! Nothing left on the meter! Until next time, and who can tell
when that will be. All hail, all hail Macbeth. (Exeunt)
Macbeth
(Vainly) Just think of that, me, the King. But who comes here?
Enter Lennox
Lennox
It is I, sir, Lennox. The king, Duncan, hath received news of your
victory in battle, Macbeth. He sends me to give you thanks and to
request you attend his presence and bade me call thee Thane of
Cawdor, for it is thine.
Banquo
(Aside) Can those evil creatures speak true so quickly?
Macbeth
Why do you dress me in borrowed robes? The Thane of Cawdor
lives.
Lennox
Treasons, capital, confessed and proved, have overthrown him.
Macbeth
(Aside, preening) Glamis and Cawdor. And the greatest is yet to
come.
Banquo
(Aside) The witches of darkness tell us truths, it would appear. (To
Lennox) Cousin, pray you, a word. (Moves off SL with Lennox)
Macbeth
(Aside) If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me
without my doing anything. (To Banquo and Lennox) Come, what
come may. Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.
Banquo
Worthy Macbeth, we stay upon your leisure.
Macbeth
Let us toward the king. Think upon what hath chanced and at more
time let us speak our free hearts to each other. Come friends. To the
king. (Exeunt)
Sound
Cue 3 [Music intro]
Scene 3
Act 1 Scene 4 : A Heath
Enter Duncan and Malcolm
Duncan
Is execution done on Cawdor?
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 5 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Malcolm
My liege, I have spoken with one that saw him die, who did report that
he confessed his treasons, implored your highness’ pardon and set
forth a deep repentance.
Duncan
He was a man on whom I built an absolute trust. And one who has
betrayed me.
Enter Macbeth and Banquo
Duncan
(To Macbeth) O worthiest cousin, the Thane of Cawdor, a gentleman
on whom I built an absolute trust, is dead. To you, my noble lord, to
whom I owe great debts in battle, I now bestow that honour.
Macbeth
(Aside) That witch was right, but how swift the honour.
Duncan
We will establish our estate upon our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name
hereafter the Prince of Cumberland.
Macbeth
Come, we shall share this joyful news with my wife. I will take my
leave to prepare for your noble lords’ arrival. (Aside as he exits) Isn’t
this exciting! What else lies in store, I wonder? (Shaking head in
frustration) A witch, a witch, my kingdom for a witch. (Exits)
Duncan
True, worthy Banquo, let’s after him whose care is gone before to bid
us welcome.
Banquo
He rides apace, my lord.
Duncan
No matter, we will follow.
Exeunt all
Sound
Cue 4 [Music intro]
Scene 4
Act 1 Scene 5 : Macbeth’s Castle
Enter Lady Macbeth. She wears the trousers in this relationship. He is cowed in her
presence. Machiavelli is a pussy cat compared to her.
Lady Macbeth
(Pacing, reading from a letter, with evil intent) News from my husband
that greatly cheers me. Thane of Glamis and now of Cawdor too.
And a future king if those ugly creatures of the night are correct in their
foretelling. And yet there is one thing standing in the way of the crown
that is rightfully his and the power that will then be mine to take. I
must chastise the ear of this pasty husband of mine with the valour of
my tongue. That he lures Duncan under my battlements fills me from
the crown to the toe full of the direst cruelty. Make thick my blood.
Stop up the access and passage to remorse. Come, thick night and
pall thee in the densest smoke of hell so that my keen knife sees not
the wound it makes.
Enter Macbeth
Lady Macbeth
(Charming) Great Glamis! Worthy Cawdor. Thy letters have
transported me beyond the ignorant present and I feel now the future
that awaits us.
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Page 6 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Macbeth
My dearest love, Duncan comes here directly.
Lady Macbeth
(Aside) And never shall sun that morrow see. (To Macbeth, smoothly)
Then he must be provided for and you shall allow me to make all the
arrangements in his honour which shall to all our nights and days to
come, give solely sovereign sway and masterdom.
Macbeth
We will speak further.
Lady Macbeth
Indeed my husband. (Aside) Leave all the rest to me. (Exeunt)
Sound
Cue 5 [Music intro]
Scene 5
Act 1 Scene 6 : Macbeth’s Castle
Enter Duncan and Banquo
Duncan
(Looking around) This castle has a pleasant seat. The air nimbly and
sweetly recommends itself unto our gentle senses.
Banquo
I have observed the air is delicate.
Enter Lady Macbeth
Duncan
(To Lady Macbeth) See, see, our honoured hostess, I thank you for
your trouble.
Lady Macbeth
(Ingratiatingly) All our service in every point twice done and then done
double were poor and single business to contend against those
honours deep and broad wherewith your majesty loads our house.
Duncan
Where’s the Thane of Cawdor? We coursed him at the heels but he
rides well and did outpace us.
Lady Macbeth
He is without, your majesty. (Aside) Without brains or brawn, if you
ask me. Tcch! Men!
Duncan
Fair and noble hostess, we are your guest tonight. Conduct me to
mine host. We love him highly and shall continue our graces towards
him.
Lady Macbeth shows Duncan and Banquo to offstage and re-enters. Enter Macbeth from
opposite side to Lady Macbeth.
Lady Macbeth
(Charming) Great Thane of Glamis and Cawdor. And, if the future be
foretold, king as well. But there is just one impediment, my dear, one
tiny fly in the ointment, one minor issue we may need to deal with
before you can claim what is rightfully yours. (Aside) And which will
make me Queen!
Macbeth
(He doesn’t get it) And what might that be, my dearest love?
Lady Macbeth
Duncan!
Macbeth
Oh, Duncan. (Pause) But Duncan is here tonight, my dearest love.
Lady Macbeth
Exactly. And, dear husband, with us he remains for the rest of his
reign.
Macbeth
(Innocently) That could be quite a while, he’s not that old.
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Page 7 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Lady Macbeth
(Sarcastically) You really don’t get it, do you, you poor innocent
creature.
Macbeth
Get what?
Lady Macbeth
Get rid of Duncan whilst his son, Malcolm, is not yet eighteen, and you
will be King. (Macbeth ponders on this) (Aside) But, more importantly,
I will be Queen and, with this gullible muffin in charge, effectively the
ruler of all Scotland (rubs hands in glee).
Macbeth
(Finally getting it) You mean, murder him?
Lady Macbeth
(Aside) Well I wasn’t proposing we bore him to death with those
endless soliloquies that Shakespeare has you spouting at every
opportunity. (To Macbeth) Yes, husband.
Macbeth
You want me to murder Duncan?
Lady Macbeth
(Sarcastically) You’re finally getting the message.
Macbeth
But I can’t do that. I’m his kinsman and his subject. He has just
honoured me with Cawdor and I have won golden opinions from my
people of late. I’m too nice a guy to go around murdering people.
Lady Macbeth
So, this big tough warrior stuff is just a front? When the going gets
tough, the tough get going, eh? You want the crown, yet are prepared
to live like a coward? You’re like a cat who wants to eat fish but won’t
get its feet wet to catch them.
Macbeth
But if we should fail?
Lady Macbeth
Fail? Screw up your courage to the sticking-place and we’ll not fail.
When Duncan is asleep, I will ensure that his two bodyguards are so
filled with wine and song that they will lie as in death and recall
nothing. What can you and I then not do to the unguarded Duncan?
What guilt can we not put upon his drunken officers?
Macbeth
I still don’t want to do it!
Lady Macbeth
(Grabbing Macbeth and shaking him) You starveling, you elf-skin, you
dried neat’s tongue, you bull’s pizzle, you stock-fish.
Macbeth
Is something the matter, dear?
Lady Macbeth
You couldn’t make a hole in a woman’s petticoat, never mind defeat
an enemy in battle (throws him off). (Aside) Why is it there’s never a
real man around when you need one? (Sarcastically) Come on, I’d
better hold your hand whilst we do the deed together. (Grabs
Macbeth’s hand and leads him off like a schoolboy).
Sound
Cue 6 [Music intro]
Scene 6
Act 2 Scene 1 : Macbeth’s Castle
Enter Banquo and Fleance. Banquo has a sword.
Banquo
How goes the night, boy?
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 8 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Fleance
The moon is down. I have not heard the clock.
Banquo
(Looking to where Duncan sleeps) Their candles are all out. And yet
methinks that there is something amiss. (Draws sword) Who’s there?
Enter Macbeth
Macbeth
A friend.
Banquo
What, sir, not yet at rest? The king’s abed and all’s well. I dreamt last
night of those evil sisters. To you they have showed some truth.
Macbeth
I think not of them. Yet, when we can entreat the time, we should
discuss that business.
Banquo
At your leisure.
Macbeth
Good repose, the while.
Banquo
Thanks, sir, and the like to you.
Banquo and Fleance exit.
Macbeth
I will conceal myself lest the guards do spot me afore they are
overtaken by sleep.
Macbeth goes to one side of the stage. Enter two guards from the opposite side, swaying a
little, drinking from tankards.
First Guard
This ginger beer Lady Macbeth gave me tastes a bit funny. It’s
making me sleepy.
Second Guard
This lemonade is having the same effect on me.
First Guard
Much prefer beer myself, doesn’t have this effect on me.
Much yawning and stretching as they sink to their knees
First Guard
I know we’re supposed to be guarding the King’s bed chamber
(indicates somewhere offstage), but ten minutes sleep would be nice.
You stay awake whilst I have a nap. (Yawns and lies down)
Second Guard
Don’t think I can keep my eyes open any longer. (Yawns and lies
down. They both start snoring loudly)
Enter Macbeth with a dagger.
Macbeth
(Standing and declaiming dramatically to the audience. He pulls
something from his waistband, a small teddy perhaps.) Is this a
dagger which I see before me? (Pauses, realises he’s grabbed the
wrong object) Damn!. (Throws teddy over his shoulder, grabs dagger
from waistband) That’s better. (Steadies himself again) Is this a
dagger I see before me, the handle towards my hand? Come, let me
clutch thee. I have thee not and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal
vision, sensible to feeling as to sight? Or art thou but a dagger of the
mind. a false creation proceeding from the.......
Enter Lady Macbeth, rapidly
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 9 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Lady Macbeth
(Hissing) You pompous windbag. Cut the prattling and get on with the
murdering. (Pushes him offstage. Looks at guards who continue to
snore loudly) That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold.
What hath quenched them hath given me fire. Sleep my little
beauties. You know not the service you do me, nor shall you live to
see it. (Macbeth returns) Well?
Macbeth
I have done the deed. (Looks at his bloodied hands) This is a sorry
sight.
Lady Macbeth
(Machiavellian) A foolish thought to say ‘a sorry sight’. These deeds
must not be thought after these ways. To do so will make us mad.
Get some water to wash this filthy witness from your hands. And give
me those daggers. I will put them with these two (indicates snoring
guards) and smear both with some blood. (Places a dagger on each
of the guards, and wipes blood over them)
Macbeth
I am afraid to think what I have done.
Sound
Cue 7 [Knocking]
Lady Macbeth
I hear a knocking. (Indicates guards) These two we must take to
Duncan and lay them near. Get on your nightgown, so we can
convince people that we were asleep when this happened. Come, let
us away.
Sound
Cue 8 [Knocking]
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth exit, each pulling a guard. From the opposite side of the stage
a Porter enters.
Porter
(Moving stiffly and slowly to the door. He’s slightly hung over) Here’s a
knocking indeed! Knock, knock, knock! Who’s there? Faith, here’s
an equivocator that could swear in both the scales against either
scale, who committed treason enough for God’s sake, yet could not
equivocate to heaven.
Sound
Cue 9 [Knocking]
Porter
Knock, knock, knock. Who’s there? Faith, here’s an English tailor
come hither for stealing out of a French hose. Come in, tailor, you
may roast your goose!
Sound
Cue 10 [Knocking]
Porter
Knock, knock, never at quiet. Anon, anon! I pray you, remember the
poor old porter.
Enter Macduff and Lennox.
Macduff
Was it so late, friend, ere you went to bed that you do lie so late?
Porter
Faith sir, it was (hiccups) drink, which is a great provoker of three
things.
Macduff
And what are they?
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Page 10 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Porter
Marry sir, nose painting, sleep and (hiccups) urine.
Enter Macbeth in a nightgown.
Lennox
(Grabbing Porter) I hope you’re not taking the.......
Macduff
(Cutting Lennox off) Is the King stirring, worthy thane?
Macbeth
Not yet.
Lennox releases Porter, who exits
Macduff
He did command me call timely upon him.
Macbeth
(Indicating offstage to where Duncan lies) He lies through that door.
(Macduff exits)
Lennox
Goes the King hence today?
Macbeth
Aye.
Lennox
What an unruly night it has been. Strange screams of death (Macbeth
starts to look alarmed) and prophesies of combustion and confused
events. Some say the earth was feverous and did shake.
Macbeth
(Sounding uneasy) Twas a rough night.
Macduff
(Offstage, screaming) Oh, horror, horror. (Bursting back on stage)
Tongue nor heart cannot conceive or name thee!
Macbeth and
Lennox
What’s the matter?
Macduff
Duncan is dead. Murdered as he slept.
Macbeth
What did you say?
Lennox
Mean you his majesty?
Macduff
Go and see for yourselves. (Macbeth and Lennox exit. Macduff
strides around the stage for the next bit, addressing his cries for help
to the audience) Awake, awake! Ring the alarm bell! Murder and
treason! (Sound Cue 11 [Bell ringing]) Banquo, Malcolm, shake off
this downy sleep and look on death itself!
Enter Lady Macbeth. The next section needs to be taken at pace.
Lady Macbeth
What’s the business that such a hideous trumpet calls to parley the
sleepers of the house? Speak, speak!
Macduff
O, gentle lady. (Banquo enters) O Banquo, our royal master’s
murdered!
Lady Macbeth
(Feigning shock) What, in our house?
Banquo
Macduff, say it is not so!
Enter Macbeth and Lennox
Macbeth
Had I but died an hour before this chance, I had lived a blessed time,
for from this instant, there’s nothing serious in mortality.
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 11 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Enter Malcolm
Malcolm
What is amiss?
Macduff
Your father’s been murdered!
Malcolm
(Shocked) By whom?
Lennox
His guards, it seems. Their hands and faces were stained with blood,
so were their daggers.
Macbeth
And in my anger, I killed them both.
Lady Macbeth
Ohhh! (Faints, rather dramatically)
Banquo
Look to the lady (Lennox, Macduff and Macbeth attend her). And
when we have recovered from this news, let us meet to decide what
we must do to avenge this cruel killing.
Exeunt all but Malcolm. Lady Macbeth is helped off by Macduff and Lennox
Malcolm
I fear my life may be in danger but from whom I know not. I’ll to
England flee and rally support to avenge my father’s murder. (Exits)
Sound
Cue 12 [Music intro]
Scene 7
Act 3 Scene 1 : Scottish Royal Palace
Banquo
(Pondering) Macbeth has it now : King, Cawdor, Glamis, as the
witches promised. But I fear he gained his prize through acts of
treason. Yet the Witches also foretold that the throne would not
remain with Macbeth’s family, but that I should be the root and father
of many kings. But hush, no more, Macbeth comes. He must not
know I suspect.
Enter Macbeth (as King) and Lady Macbeth
Macbeth
(To Banquo) Hail to our chief guest. Tonight we hold a supper in your
honour.
Banquo
Let your highness command on me what he will
Lady Macbeth
Ride you this afternoon?
Banquo
Aye, my good lady.
Lady Macbeth
(Disingenuously) Does your son Fleance ride with you?
Banquo
He does my Lady.
Lady Macbeth
Fail not our feast.
Banquo
I will not, my lady.
Lady Macbeth
(Disingenuously) We hear our bloodied cousins, Malcolm and
Donaldbain, have fled to England and Ireland without confessing to
their crime. I wish your horses swift and sure of foot. (Banquo exits).
(To Macbeth) He suspects you. We’re not doing all this so that
Banquo’s issue can be king when you are gone. We must get rid of
him and his son, Fleance. I have arranged for some people to help
us.
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Page 12 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Enter two murderers, carrying daggers. This section needs to be very tightly cued.
Lady Macbeth
You must be the......
First Murderer
(Knowingly) Exactly.
Second Murderer
Quite.
Lady Macbeth
As you may know we have a little......
First Murderer
....embarrassment?
Lady Macbeth
Precisely. It’s a rather......
Second Murderer
...delicate situation?
Lady Macbeth
Quite. You see, this man is rather, shall we say....
First Murderer
....inconvenient?
Lady Macbeth
Indeed. I thought perhaps he could meet with a.....
First Murderer
...little accident,....
Second Murderer
...shall we say...
First Murderer
...quietly.....
Second Murderer
...without arousing suspicion?
Lady Macbeth
Exactly.
First Murderer
We can make all the necessary.....
Lady Macbeth
.....arrangements?
Second Murderer
....to deal with your problem.....
Lady Macbeth
......discreetly?
First Murderer
...and without anything getting back to you.
Second Murderer
There is, of course, the question of.... (indicates money)
Lady Macbeth
Naturally.
First Murderer
(Tapping his nose with his finger) Say no more.
Both Murderers
(Looking at each other) I’m sure we can come to some arrangement.
Lady Macbeth
Good. (To First Murderer) So you’ll.....
First Murderer
....quite.
Lady Macbeth
(To Second Murderer) And you’ll....
Second Murderer
...naturally.
Lady Macbeth
Good. So we all know.....
First Murderer
...what we’re....
Second Murderer
....doing.
Lady Macbeth
Excellent. To business. (Indicates they should leave)
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Page 13 of 26
Macbeth The What?
First Murderer
(Aside to Second Murderer as they make to exit) What was all that
about?
Second Murderer
Not a clue, mate!
First Murderer
Let’s go and murder Banquo then.
Second Murderer
Sounds like a plan!
First and Second Murderer exit somewhere into the audience. Banquo and Fleance enter.
Sound
Cue 13 [Music intro]
Scene 8
Act 3 Scene 3 : A mile from the Scottish Royal Palace
Banquo
Fleance, here looks like a good place to rest a while.
First and Second Murderer enter rapidly from audience waving daggers
First Murderer
Stand and deliver!
First and Second Murderers grab Banquo and stab him several times. Fleance tries to
intervene but is shoved away.
Banquo
O treachery! Run, Fleance, run!
Fleance
Father!
Banquo
Run for your life and for Scotland! (Dies)
Fleance flees for his life, up through the audience and out of the auditorium if possible.
Second Murderer starts to give chase but gives up and returns to Banquo.
Second Murderer
We have lost best half of our affair.
First Murderer
Let’s away and say how much is done. (Exit)
Sound
Cue 14 [Music intro]
Scene 9
Act 3 Scene 4 : The Scottish Royal Palace
Lights to black. Enter Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, other guests, as many as can be mustered.
Two people carry on a small table which is 1.5m in length, 0.75m wide, three sides of which
are draped with black cloth that reaches to the ground (height required about 1m). They
position the table over Banquo, who should still be lying on the ground. The table top has a
hinged hole cut in it to which is stuck a platter which has a piece of stage meat stuck to it.
There is also a silver dome on the table positioned over the hinged hole, so the hinged hole
needs to be smaller than the dome. There is other food scattered on the table top together
with some tankards.
Macbeth
Drink, eat and be merry! But for Banquo, we would have all of
Scotland’s nobility present.
First and Second Murderers appears SR. Lady Macbeth moves over to them. Macbeth
circulates amongst the other guests.
Lady Macbeth
There’s blood on thy face.
First Murderer
Tis Banquo’s then.
Lady Macbeth
It’s better that my guests don’t see you. Is he despatched?
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 14 of 26
Macbeth The What?
First Murderer
My lady, his throat is cut, that I did for him.
Lady Macbeth
And Fleance? What of him?
Second Murderer
Fleance escaped.
Lady Macbeth
But Banquo is dead?
Second Murderer
Safe in a ditch he lies, with twenty trenched gashes on his head, the
least a death to nature.
Lady Macbeth
Go, quickly, before either of you are seen. (Murderers slip off SR)
Lennox
(Calling to Lady Macbeth) My lady does it please you to join us?
Lady Macbeth
(Moving over to join those behind the table) Directly. Let us eat!
Everyone present lines up behind the table except Macbeth, who goes around to the front
so that he is effectively “presented” with the banquet by Lennox. Lennox lifts the silver
dome, revealing Banquo’s bloodied head to Macbeth but not to those behind the table.
Macbeth
(In shock) What is that? Who is that? No, no, Banquo!!
Lennox
(Replacing the silver dome) My lord, is something wrong? What
moves your highness? Is the meat not to your liking? Need you more
wine?
Macbeth
Banquo! Banquo! He haunts me.
Lennox
(Removing the silver dome for all to see. This time it is the chicken on
the platter is seen. This will need to be pushed up by Banquo from his
position underneath the table.) Banquo is not with us, your highness.
This is just the meat for our supper.
Macbeth
(Seeing the “meat” but turning away in anguish. As he turns so
Lennox replaces the silver dome) What was that I saw? Which of you
have done this?
Lennox
Saw you what my lord? What have we done, my lord? (Removes the
silver dome so that only Macbeth can see what is under it – Banquo’s
head again) Come, will you not partake of this excellent repast?
Macbeth
There! Look!
Lady Macbeth
(Cutting him off as Lennox replaces the silver dome) Eat, worthy
friends. My lord is often thus and hath been from his youth. This fit is
momentary. (Aside, to Macbeth) Why do you make such faces? You
look but on our supper.
Macbeth
(Talking almost to himself) As I stand here, so I saw Banquo on that
platter. Murders have been performed too terrible for the ear. The
time has been that, when his brains were out, a man would die. But
now he rises again. This is more strange than a murder is.
Lady Macbeth
(Slapping him) You’re delusional! (Indicating the others) We have
guests.
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 15 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Macbeth
(Recovering) I do forget. Do not muse at me, worthy friends. I have a
strange infirmity which is nothing to those that know me. Let us drink
a toast to us all. And to Banquo whom we miss. Would that he were
here.
All
A toast!
They raise their tankards and drink. Lennox raises the silver dome to reveal Banquo’s head
to Macbeth.
Macbeth
Banquo, begone and quit my sight! (Starting to jabber) Thy bones are
marrowless, thy blood runs cold. Begone! Begone! (Turns away.
Lennox replaces the silver dome. Turns back) It’s gone. I am a man
again. Pray you all, sit and eat.
Lady Macbeth
What is the matter?
Macbeth
Can such things be and overcome us like a summer’s cloud?
Lennox
What see you, my lord?
Lady Macbeth
I pray you, speak not. He grows worse and worse. Question enrages
him. (To all) Goodnight. Stand not upon the order of your going, but
go at once.
Lennox
(Leading everyone away) Good night and better health attend his
majesty.
Macbeth
I am haunted and bewitched by spirits. And Macduff refused to come
here tonight. Why? I will to those witches tomorrow to discover what
lies in store for me. (Exits with Lady Macbeth)
Sound
Cue 15 [Thunder]
Scene 10
Act 4 Scene 1 : A space
Enter Witches with a cauldron that they place CS. In the cauldron are two wooden spoons,
a kitchen knife, a frying pan and a chopping board. There is also some form of plastic pie or
stage food. Throughout this scene they prowl around the cauldron and work with the
audience, doing as much as they can to draw them into the scene and getting them to join
in with the “chorus” of double, double, etc. The witches might sing the couplets below.
First Witch
We’ll now prepare a little treat
Something nice for you to eat
Second Witch
What goes in is up to you
Join us as we mix this stew.
First Witch
Round about the cauldron go
In the poisoned entrails throw.
Witches
Double, double, toil and trouble
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
Second Witch
Eye of newt and toe of frog
Wool of bat and tongue of dog.
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 16 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Witches
Double, double, toil and trouble
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
First Witch
(Casually) ‘Oi, didn’t you say that Sainsbury’s are doing a special offer
on Lizard’s legs?
Second Witch
(Harshly) Bog off!!
First Witch
(Puzzled) I beg your pardon?
Second Witch
(Sweetly) Bog off! Buy one, get one free.
First Witch
Oh.....
Witches
Double, double, toil and trouble
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
Second Witch
Adder’s fork and blindworm’s sting
Lizard’s leg and howlet’s wing
First Witch
(Switching character to that of an ebullient, posh TV chef. Reaches
into cauldron, grabs chopping board and a knife. Gives chopping
board to Second Witch who “acts” as a kitchen counter) Now,
viewers, do make sure that you dice the lizard’s leg and howlet’s wing
thoroughly (mime’s chopping on the board) before frying (reaches into
cauldron, picks out frying pan, mimes scraping ingredients off the
chopping board and into the pan. Mimes frying the ingredients.) You
need to brown both sides before adding to rest of the ingredients that
we already have in the cauldron (Mimes tossing the contents of the
frying pan into cauldron). Now, this should be simmered on a low heat
for about two and a half (pauses for thought).......
Second Witch
(Casually, to audience) Days.
First Witch
(Reaching into cauldron) But here’s one we prepared earlier. (First
and Second Witch mime tasting the dish pulled out of the cauldron.
Much slurping and smacking of lips ).
Second Witch
Bit more tongue of dog I think. (Mimes adding salt to the dish and
tastes it again) Delicious! (Advances on audience member) Would
you care to try a little? (Chooses another audience member) Counts
towards one of your five-a-day. (Rejoins First Witch on stage)
First Witch
Well, that’s all we’ve time for today.
Second Witch
(Putting the dish back into the cauldron) So it’s back to......
Witches
(Both back into Witch character) Double, double, toil and trouble
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
First Witch
(Pause, sigh and then in a posh RP voice) Oh that we weren’t on our
uppers.
(Glaswegian accent) And could afford a nice fish supper!
Witches
First Witch and Second Witch should end up on opposite sides of the stage. Enter Macbeth
who comes CS, between the Witches.
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 17 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Macbeth
How now, you secret black and midnight hags.
Witches
(Aside, to audience) Hang on, we resemble that remark!
Macbeth
Answer me to what I ask you.
First Witch
(Closing on Macbeth) Speak.
Second Witch
(Closing on Macbeth) Demand.
First Witch
We’ll answer.
Second Witch
From our mouths.
Sound
Cue 16 [Thunder]
Macbeth
What does the future hold for Macbeth?
The Witches start to circle Macbeth slowly during the following.
First Witch
Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth. Beware the Thane of Fife. Beware
Macduff.
Second Witch
Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth. Be bloody, bold and resolute. Laugh to
scorn the power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth.
Macbeth
(Aside, to audience) Then Macduff, what need I fear of thee!
First Witch
Macbeth shall never vanquished be...
Second Witch
... until Great Birnam Wood shall come...
First Witch
... to Dunsinane Hill against him.
Macbeth
(Aside) That will never be. Who ever heard of a forest getting up and
moving somewhere else? (To Witches) But, tell me something else.
Shall Banquo’s issue ever reign in this kingdom?
Witches
Issue? Issue? (They then look to the audience to see if they come up
with the response of ‘All Fall Down’. If not, the Witches will have to
provide that line and an ad lib about the audience staying awake.
We’ll try this gag in rehearsal and if it doesn’t work, drop it)
Witches
Seek to know no more.
Macbeth
I will be satisfied! (Turns away)
Witches
Sorry, only three wishes per session, matey! (Exit rapidly, cackling
wildly, with the cauldron)
Macbeth
(Turns back) Where are they? Gone? (To audience) Well, at last I’ve
got you all to myself. (Dramatically) Time, thou anticipates my dread
exploits. The flighty purpose never is o’ertook unless the deed go with
it. From this moment.... (Cuts out of character, to audience) Are you
enjoying this? Good isn’t it! (Back into character) From this moment
the very firstlings of my heart shall be the firstlings of........
Lady Macbeth
(Offstage) Cut, cut, cut! We don’t want to listen to you all day. Get
on with it!
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 18 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Macbeth
(Annoyed) Always cutting me off, that woman. Anyone would think
she wore the trousers in our household. Who goes there?
Lennox enters
Lennox
Macduff is fled to England, your grace.
Macbeth
Fled to England?
Lennox
Aye, my good lord.
Lady Macbeth enters
Lady Macbeth
(To Macbeth) Then the castle of Macduff you will surprise, seize upon
Fife and put to the sword his wife, his babes and all unfortunate souls
that trace him to his line.
Macbeth
But......
Lady Macbeth
Don’t even think about it, husband. Move! (Frogmarches him off.
Lennox follows)
Sound
Cue 17 [Music]
Scene 11
Act 4 Scene 2 : Macduff’s Castle
Enter Lady Macduff and Lennox. In addition, three actors, all in black, enter, each holding
two puppets representing the Macduffs’ children.
Lady Macduff
What had he done to make him fly the land?
Lennox
You must have patience, madam.
Lady Macduff
He has none. His flight was madness. People will think we are
traitors, which we are not.
Lennox
I know not whether it was his wisdom or fear.
Lady Macduff
Wisdom? To leave his wife, (indicating children, who are “chattering”
to each other and generally having fun) to leave all these babes, his
mansion and his titles in a place from whence he does fly? I, the most
diminutive of birds, will fight to protect my young ones in the nest from
our predators. Fathered he is, and yet he’s fatherless.
Lennox
My pretty cousin, blessing upon you. Things at the worst will cease,
or else climb upward to what they were before. I take my leave at
once. (Exits)
During the following, Lady Macduff converses with her “children”. SR to SL they line up as
Juliet, Romeo, Hamlet, Lear, Julius and Cymbeline. Romeo hides behind his “actor’s” back.
Lady Macbeth
What is to become of us?
Enter Messenger, breathless
Messenger
Bless you, fair dame. I am not to you known. But if you will take a
homely man’s advice, be found not here with your little ones. Heaven
preserve you! I dare abide no longer! (Exits)
Lady Macduff
Why should I leave? I have done no wrong. But who comes?
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 19 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Enter Murderers
First Murderer
Where is your husband?
Lady Macduff
I hope in no place so unsanctified where such as you may find him.
Second Murderer
He’s a traitor! And so are you and your children. Death to you all!
(Stabs Juliet puppet)
Lady Macduff
(With melodrama) How fairs my Juliet? For nothing can be ill if she is
well. Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo? (Romeo pops out
from his hiding place and “smiles” at Lady Macduff.)
First Murderer
That wasn’t a smart move, my boy! (Stabs Romeo puppet)
Second Murderer
(Pointing at Hamlet puppet) Hamlet – to be or not to be?
Lady Macduff
Oh, no dear, Toby’s at the end here (indicates final puppet)
Second Murderer
(Pauses, hands on hips) ‘Ere, missus, if you’re going to do a farewell
speech like this for each one of these kids, we’ll be ‘ere all day.
Lady Macduff
(Slightly aloof) Well, I’ve not got a very big part in this play so I
thought I’d milk it for all it’s worth. (Indicating audience) And this lot
might like a few juicy Shakespearian quotes – you know, culture for
the masses.
First Murderer
(To Second Murderer) Get on with it! (Second Murderer stabs
Hamlet)
Lady Macduff
(Melodramatically) Lear, how sharper than a servant’s tooth it is to
have a thankless child. (First Murderer stabs Lear) And cowards die
many times before their deaths. The valiant taste of death but once,
don’t they, Julius. (Second Murderer stabs Julius)
First Murderer
(Approaching last puppet) Right Toby!
Lady Macduff
Oh, my mistake, that’s Cymbeline, everyone forgets him. (First
Murderer stabs puppet)
Second Murderer
(Evil leer) And now, my lady, your time has come!
Lady Macduff
(Running off) Murder! Murder! (Murderers pursue her off, with blood
curdling cries).
Sound
Cue 18 [Music]
Scene 12
Act 5 Scene 1 : Macbeth’s Castle
Enter Doctor and Gentlewoman
Doctor
When was it that Lady Macbeth last sleep-walked?
Gentlewoman
Since his majesty went into the field I have seen her rise from her bed,
throw her nightgown upon her, unlock her closet, take forth paper, fold
it, write upon it, read it, afterwards seal it and again return to bed. Yet
all this while in a most fast sleep.
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 20 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Doctor
A great perturbation in nature, to receive at once the benefit of sleep
and so the effects of watching. In this slumber agitation, what have
you heard her say?
Gentlewoman
That, sir, I will not report after her. (Enter Lady Macbeth with a taper)
But, lo, here she comes. This is her very guise and, upon my life, fast
asleep.
Doctor
How came she by that light?
Gentlewoman
Why, it stood by her. She has light by her continually – tis her
command.
Doctor
You see her eyes are open.
Gentlewoman
Ay, but their sense is shut.
Doctor
What is it she does now? Look how she rubs her hands.
Gentlewoman
It is an accustomed action with her to seem thus washing her hands. I
have known her continue in this a quarter of an hour.
Lady Macbeth
Yet here’s a spot. Out, damned spot! Out, I say! One. Two. Why
then, ‘tis time to do it. Hell is murky. Fie, my lord, fie, a soldier, and
afeard? What need we fear who knows it when none can call our
power to account? Yet who would have thought the old man to have
had so much blood in him?
Doctor
(Aside, to Gentlewoman) Do you mark that?
Lady Macbeth
The Thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she now? Will these hands
ne’er be clean?
Doctor
(To Gentlewoman) Come, come. You have known what you should
not.
Gentlewoman
She has spoke what she should not, I am sure of that. Heaven knows
what she has known.
Lady Macbeth
Here’s the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not
sweeten this little hand. (Cries of frustration)
Doctor
This disease is beyond my practice. Yet I have known those which
have walked in their sleep who have died holily in their beds.
Lady Macbeth
(To herself) Wash your hands, put on your nightgown, look not so
pale. I tell you yet again, Banquo’s buried. He cannot rise out of his
grave. To bed, to bed. There’s a knocking at the gate. Come, come,
come, come, give me your hand. What’s done cannot be undone. To
bed, to bed, to bed. (Exits)
Doctor
Will she go to bed now?
Gentlewoman
Directly.
Doctor
Foul whisperings are abroad. Unnatural deeds do breed unnatural
troubles. Infected minds will discharge their secrets to their deaf
pillows. She needs the divine more than this physician. (Exeunt)
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 21 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Sound
Cue 19 [Music]
Scene 13
Act 4 Scene 3 : England
Malcolm
This tyrant King, Macbeth, was once thought honest. He hath not
touched you, yet.
Macduff
I am not a traitor.
Malcolm
But Macbeth is.
Macduff
Aye.
Malcolm
And I think our country sinks beneath the yoke. It weeps, it bleeds.
Each new day a gash is added to her wounds. The King here in
England has offered us ten thousand of warlike men.
Macduff
Not in the legions of hell can come a devil more damned in evils to top
Macbeth.
Malcolm
Macduff, your noble passion hath reconciled my thoughts to thy good
truth and honour. Macbeth tried to trick me into his power but I am
yours and my poor country’s to command.
Macduff
See who comes here.
Enter Lennox
Lennox
Sir, amen.
Macduff
My ever-gentle cousin, bid you welcome. Stands Scotland where it
did?
Lennox
Alas, poor country, almost afraid to know itself.
Macduff
How does my wife?
Lennox
(Slightly doubtfully) Why, well.
Macduff
And my children?
Lennox
Well too.
Macduff
The tyrant has not battered at their peace?
Lennox
(Uneasily) They were well at peace when I did leave them. Yet now is
the time to help. Your presence in Scotland would create soldiers and
make our women fight.
Macduff
We are coming. We have an army of ten thousand and will gather
more on our way.
Lennox
Would that I could answer this comfort with the like. But I have words,
my good lord, that would be howled out in the desert air. (Pause)
Your castle was ambushed, your wife and babes savagely
slaughtered.
Malcolm
Merciful heaven!
Macduff
(Shocked and angry) My children too?
Lennox
(Distressed) Wife, children, servants, all that could be found.
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 22 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Macduff
(Angry) I should have been there for them. Macbeth has no children
yet he kills all my pretty ones? I will raise an army here and now and
be revenged on this tyrant. (To audience) Are you with me?
Macduff and
Macbeth
(Moving amongst the audience, picking on individuals, especially
children, ad libs using the following) Will you fight with me? Will you
slay the tyrant Macbeth? (Ad lib as necessary until Macduff says)
Malcolm, arm my brave warriors!
Malcolm produces the appropriate number of swords (will need about 12) which should be
toy, foam rubber ones like those used in Shakespeare’s Canon, and hands them out. If we
end up using audience members, then the “recruits” simply stay in their seats and are
handed a sword. If not, then we need to get enough cast members on stage to act as the
army.
Malcolm
Come, we go to the king. Our power is ready. Our lack is nothing but
our leave. Macbeth is ripe for shaking!
Macduff
We march on Scotland, our nation!
Sound
Cue 20 [Rousing marching music, bagpipes]
Macduff, Malcolm and Lennox march the “army” round the venue, as space allows.
Lennox
Sir, Birnam Wood approaches.
Malcolm
Let every soldier disguise himself with branches from the trees and
march on Dunsinane. (Hands out tree outlines to all those in the army.
There will need to be three or four of these, perhaps those from BM.
Two can hide behind each)
Enter Menteith and Angus
Menteith
I bid welcome to you from England, come to vanquish the tyrant king.
Malcolm
What does Macbeth?
Menteith
Great Dunsinane he strongly fortifies. Some say he is mad, others
that hate him less do call it valiant fury. But for certain he cannot
justify his cause, or his rule.
Angus
He feels his secret murders sticking to his hands. Ever hour, revolts
are challenging his power. Those he commands move only because
he orders them to, not because they love their king. He feels the
crown sit loose about him like a giant’s robe upon a dwarfish thief.
Malcolm
Well, march we on to give obedience where ‘tis truly owed. Meet we
the medicine of the sickly weal and with him pour we in our country’s
purge, each drop of us.
Lennox
Onward!
The army retires to offstage right and hides behind its trees.
Sound
Cue 21 [Music]
Scene 14
Act 5 Scene 3 : Macbeth’s Castle
Macbeth enters, comes CS and prepares to speak with a flourish.
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 23 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Macbeth
(Draws breath, is ready to launch forth)
Lady Macbeth
(Offstage, coldly) Don’t even think about it!
Macbeth looks nonplussed, moves to SL. Messenger enters SL
Messenger
There is ten thousand.....
Macbeth
Geese, villain?
Messenger
Soldiers, sir, that are come.
Macbeth
(Trying to sound tough) Go prick thy face and over-red thy fear, thou
lily-livered boy. What soldiers, whey-face?
Messenger
The English force, so please you.
Macbeth
I’ll fight till my flesh is hacked from my bones. Send out more horses.
Scour the country round. Hang those that talk of fear. Take thy face
hence. (Exit Messenger who takes up a position, possibly in
audience, where he can observe the Macduff army. Enter Doctor SL)
How does your patient, Doctor?
Doctor
Not so sick, my lord, as she is troubled with thick-coming fantasies
that keep her from her rest.
Macbeth
What purgative drug would scour these English hence? Hear’st thou
of them?
Doctor
Your royal preparation makes us hear something.
Macbeth
Bring it after me. (Laughs) I will not be afraid of death till Birnam
Wood come to Dunsinane.
Doctor
(Aside) Were I from Dunsinane away and clear, profit again should
hardly draw me here. (Exits SL)
Macbeth
(Musing) Bring me no more reports. Let them fly all. Till Birnam Wood
remove to Dunsinane, I cannot taint with fear. What’s the boy,
Malcolm? Was he not born of woman? The spirits that know all
mortal consequences have pronounced me thus : ‘fear not, Macbeth,
no man that’s born of woman shall have power upon thee’. Then fly,
false thanes and mingle with the English.
Cry off stage from women. Enter Seyton from SL.
Macbeth
What is that noise?
Seyton
It is the cry of women, sir. (Exits SL)
Macbeth
I have almost forgot the taste of fears. I have supped full with horrors.
Direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts cannot once start me.
(Single scream from offstage)
Seyton
(Re-entering) The queen, my lord, is dead.
Macduff and army start to move, very slowly, from SR
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 24 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Macbeth
(Mournful) She would have died at some point hereafter. There would
have been a time for news of her death. Out, out, brief candle. Life’s
but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon
the stage and then is hear no more.
Enter Messenger
Messenger
My lord, I should report that which I say I saw but know not how to do
it.
Macbeth
Well say, sir.
Messenger
As I did stand my watch upon the hill, I looked toward Birnam and saw
the wood begin to move.
Macbeth
You lie! A wood doesn’t move.
Messenger
Within this three mile you will see it coming. I saw a moving grove.
Macbeth
(To Messenger, getting angry) If thou speak falsely, upon the next tree
shall thou hang alive till famine claim thee. Away! I(Messenger exits)
The witches spoke thus : ‘Fear not, till Birnam Wood do come to
Dunsinane’. And now it appears a wood comes toward Dunsinane.
(Shouting) Arm, arm and out! If this which he avouches does appear,
there is no tarrying here. Ring the alarm bell! Blow wind, come
wrack. At least we’ll die with harness on our back! (Exit)
Sound
Cue 22 [Music]
Scene 15
Act 5 Scene 6 : Outside Macbeth’s Castle
Macduff and army are SR. They advance on stage behind their leafy screens.
Macduff
Men, we are near enough. Throw down your leafy screens. To battle!
Warlike cries as they advance across stage, to me met by Macbeth forces CS. Sword fight
ensues. Macbeth army is vanquished. Bodies lie on stage, with only survivors being
Malcolm and Macduff (who exit quickly SR having returned any audience members to their
seats) and Young Siward, a soldier from Macduff’s army. Once the audience members (if
any) are back in their seats, Macbeth enters SL
Young Siward
Who are you?
Macbeth
You will be afraid at my name.
Young Siward
I won’t, even if you call yourself a name that is hotter than any in hell.
Macbeth
My name’s Macbeth.
Young Siward
The devil himself could not pronounce a title more hateful to my ear.
Macbeth
Nor more fearful.
Young Siward
You lie, abhorred tyrant. With my sword I’ll prove the lie thou speak.
Sword fight. Young Siward is slain and joins the bodies on stage.
Shakespeare at Traquair
Page 25 of 26
Macbeth The What?
Macbeth
(Standing with foot on Young Siward and slightly delirious, hubristic
even. He is facing SL) Thou wast born of woman. But swords I smile
at, weapons laugh to scorn brandished by man that’s of a woman
born.
Enter Macduff from SR
Macduff
(Coldly) Tyrant, show thy face. Turn, hell-hound, turn.
Macbeth
(Slowly turning) Get thee back. My soul is already too much burdened
with your blood.
Macduff
I have no words for you. My voice is in my sword.
They fight. Serious stuff, and possibly with metal swords if we can source them. The
dialogue continues over the fighting.
Macbeth
Let thy blade fall on vulnerable chests. I bear a charmed life which
must not yield to one of woman born.
Macduff
Despair thy charm and let the angel whom thou still hast served tell
thee that Macduff was from his mother’s womb prematurely ripped.
Macbeth
I’ll not fight with thee.
They pull apart. Fighting pauses.
Macduff
Then yield, coward, and live but be publically ridiculed as a fallen
tyrant.
Macbeth
I will not yield to kiss the ground before young Malcolm’s feet. Lay on,
Macduff and damned be him that first cries ‘Hold, enough!’
Fight resumes, Macbeth is slain. Falls on one of the other bodies. Malcolm enters.
Macduff
(To Malcolm, pointing to the slain Macbeth) The tyrant is slain. Hail,
king, for so thou art.
All
(Including anyone offstage) Hail, King of Scotland!
Malcolm
(Addressing the audience as well as those on stage) My thanes and
kinsmen. Henceforth, be earls, the first that ever Scotland in such an
honour named. What’s more to do which would be planted newly with
the time as calling home our exiled friends abroad that fled the snares
of this watchful tyranny. So thanks to all at once and to each one
whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.
Lights to black. Curtain call
Sound
Cue 23 [Music, rousing bagpipe march]
Shakespeare at Traquair
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