Double, double toil and trouble! Students perform Macbeth

Glasgow Clyde College HND Acting and Performance students recently performed Shakespeare’s Macbeth, as part of their end of year programme.

The play, directed by lecturer David Lee Michael, was condensed to 90 minutes without a break to dramatize and add intensity to the performance. Two casts of students were recruited. One to perform a traditional gender role performance, and one with an all-female cast, adding a further unique twist to the College’s interpretation.

The students performed six performances over four days in Glasgow Clyde College’s theatre which was turned around to create a smaller more personal production for the audience of family, friends and theatre professionals.

Misha McCullagh, from Linlithgow, who played Macbeth in the all-female ensemble, said: “We have all worked really hard during the training and rehearsals for Macbeth. It was great to see the two final productions come together so well, especially the all-female cast as we worked very strongly together. It was exciting being the lead in the female production and having male members of our class play the witches, it brought great energy to the performance.

“Productions like Macbeth are a fantastic way for everyone to work together as other year groups help to organise various aspects, such as building and painting the set, sourcing costumes and creating props. I have really enjoyed my time at Glasgow Clyde College and I believe this course is unlike any other on offer.”

Marianne Harper, senior lecturer, Acting and Performance at Glasgow Clyde College, said: “Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a famous tragedy and our students portrayed it with their own unique acting abilities. They are all talented individuals and having the two casts doing separate performances gave the students the chance to portray a different character, encouraging them to widen their acting portfolio.”

Following their Diploma Show in April, many of the students have secured castings or agency representation with further offers after the Macbeth performances.

Marianne Harper continues: “It will be sad to see the students leave Glasgow Clyde College, but I know through watching them learn and perform that they will all go on to wonderful things in the acting industry.”

Picture shows Misha McCullagh performing.