Trevor Nunn production 1976

Act 1 Scene 1

First witch When shall we three meet again / In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
Second witch When the hurlyburly's done, / When the battle's lost and won.

The witches meet on the heath.

This production took place at The Other Place, the RSC's studio theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon - a smaller space without room for complex scenery. All the action in this production happened within the central circle on the plain floor-boards - the edge of the circle is visible behind the witches here.

The witches offer the director and actors a wide range of interpretations. The witches in this production represent different generations.

Photo shows: Susan Dury, Judith Harte, Marie Kean

Photo: Joe Cocks Studio Collection © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Act 1 Scene 4

Duncan Only I have left to say, / More is thy due than more than all can pay.
Macbeth The service and the loyalty I owe, / In doing it, pays itself.

Duncan thanks Macbeth for his part in the success of the recent battle against the Irish and Norwegian invaders, and gives Macbeth the title of 'Thane of Cawdor'.

This photo shows the circular playing space marked out on the bare floorboards of The Other Place, the RSC's studio theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. The actors sat on boxes outside the circle on boxes, observing the action, and entering the circle when it was their turn to play. The audience also sat around the circle.

Centre: Roger Rees as Malcolm, Griffith Jones as Duncan and Ian McKellen as Macbeth, kneeling

Photo: Joe Cocks Studio Collection © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Act 1 Scene 6

Duncan Give me your hand; / Conduct me to mine host: we love him highly, / And shall continue our graces towards him.

Lady Macbeth welcomes Duncan and his entourage to Cawdor.

Left to right: John Woodvine as Banquo, Ian McDiarmid as Ross, Judi Dench as Lady Macbeth, Tim Brierly as Donalbain, Roger Rees as Malcolm, Griffith Jones as Duncan and Bob Peck as Macduff.

The severe black costume of Lady Macbeth contrasts with Duncan's elaborate white robes and full beard.

Photo: Joe Cocks Studio Collection © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Act 1 Scene 5

Lady Macbeth Come, you spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full / Of direst cruelty!

Lady Macbeth (Judi Dench) envokes spirits to give her the courage to murder Duncan. Unseen, Macbeth (Ian McKellen) enters to overhear her.

Photo: Joe Cocks Studio Collection © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Act 2 Scene 2

Macbeth I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise?

Macbeth (Ian McKellen) returns from murdering Duncan - he is deeply troubled and worried about the sounds in the castle. Lady Macbeth (Judi Dench) tries to reassure him but then becomes annoyed because he has forgotten to leave the daggers behind in order to frame the chamberlains for the murder. She is also irritated with Macbeth because he appears to be feeling guilty.

Photo: Joe Cocks Studio Collection © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Act 2 Scene 2

Lady Macbeth Retire we to our chamber; / A little water clears us of this deed: / How easy is it, then!

Lady Macbeth takes back the daggers, placing them next to Duncan's sleeping chamberlains, and then returns to her husband to suggest they go back to their room and wash the blood from their hands. The bright red blood contrasts with the severe black costumes.

Photo shows Judi Dench as Lady Macbeth and Ian McKellen as Macbeth.

Photo: Joe Cocks Studio Collection © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Act 4 Scene 1

Third apparition Macbeth shall never vanquish'd be until / Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill / Shall come against him.

Macbeth revisits the witches after murdering Duncan - they cast spells to conjure three apparitions which give him predictions. In this production, the apparitions were managed simply, by holding them above Macbeth as he lay exposed to their magic.

Left to right: Susan Dury, Ian McKellen, Judith Harte, Marie Kean

Photo: Joe Cocks Studio Collection © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust