Tonight we saw Macbeth, a recording of the play performed in Manchester with Kenneth Branagh (his first Shakespeare role in 10 years). It was shown as part of National Theatre Live, which films plays and broadcasts them around the world. Such a wonderful idea. Over the past few years I’ve seen Phaedre with Helen Mirren, People by Alan Bennett, The Audience with Helen Mirren (again), and tonight Macbeth.

I’m usually a bit reticent about seeing Shakespeare. It’s one of those things I feel I should enjoy but it always seems like such a task. But luckily I remembered a bit of Year 12 English Lit (or was it Year 11?) where we picked it apart and got a better handle on it. I even remembered something about the lineage between Banquo and James I, which championed the “natural” right for James I to reign in England at the time the play was first performed. Or maybe I’m making that up.

Anyway, it was performed inside a deconsecrated church, described by the co-director as a “found space”. Oh, please. It was hardly covered in vines and lost in a forest somewhere.

Lady Macbeth was played by Alex Kingston, who, when Glen saw her, recognised her from Doctor Who.

Interesting staging as the action happened in between the audience, with the rows on either side of the stage, looking down into an earth-covered pit. I liked the witches’ performances in particular. I was expecting an intermission but it kept on going and only (only!) went for two hours. Well worth leaving the house on this chilly night for.

Speaking of chilly, this week the highest maximum will be 9°C. The minimum on Monday will be –3°C. I really can’t fathom it getting any colder. I rejoiced today that it was the right weather to wear my fluffy jacket when I went outside to scope out Halloween costumes. Before long, that jacket will need to be replaced with something warmer. The mind boggles.

Any suggestions for Halloween costumes? Needs to be warm because we’re going to the street fair at night (where it will probably be at least 1°C). Time is running out and I want something that looks good, is warm, but also takes minimal effort.