ShakespeaRe-Told, Ep. 2: Macbeth
2005: Mark Brozel
This seems to be a semi-serious fusion of the ideas of Macbeth proper and those of Scotland, PA (down to the point of having the chief character named “Joe Macbeth”. Like the latter, it is set in a kitchen; here, however, chef Joe is a serious cook striving for distinction in the cutthroat world of haute cuisine. It’s less serious than the original play, but it’s not really funny either: on the whole, it seems a bit lost as to what its level will be. Even so, it manages to elicit a few interesting perspectives on Macbeth. There are also a few interesting views into the world of high-pressure restaurant management and cooking. Some may be amused to find the title character played by James McAvoy, who also appeared as Mr. Tumnus in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The roles are remarkably dissimilar.
Some R-rated language; definitely not for general family viewing.
Amelia Macduff: Holly Mai Leighton
Andy: Charles Abomeli
Barry: Ralph Ineson
Billy: Joseph Millson
Bin Man: Nick Malinowski
DCI Varley: Clive Brunt
Doyle: Matthew Dunphy
Dragan: Ben Enwright
Duncan’s PA: Anna Hope
Duncan: Vincent Regan
Ella Macbeth: Keeley Hawes
Fiona Macduff: Jo-Anne Stockham
Freddy: David Perkins
Goran: Shaban Arifi
Harry Gibby: Philip Whitchurch
Heaney: Packy Lee
Howler: Mark Stevenson
Joe Macbeth: James McAvoy
Jonny Boy: Gregory Chisholm
Malcolm: Toby Kebbell
Marketman: Alan Wraxall
Maurice: Richard Ridings
Peter Macduff: Richard Armitage
Roddy: Barry Ward
Zara Macduff: Nicole Forster