Macbeth (Marty Rea) and the Three Witches (Caitríona Ennis, Emmet Farrell, Pattie Maguire) in Shakespeare's Macbeth, a 2025 Druid production directed by Garry Hynes. Photo: Ros Kavanagh.

Macbeth

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Garry Hynes

‘Unnatural deeds do breed unnatural troubles’

★★★★★ The Irish Times
★★★★★ The Guardian
★★★★★ Irish Examiner
★★★★★ Arena, RTÉ Radio 1

In medieval Scotland, the ambitious army general Macbeth is visited by three witches who foretell his ascension to the throne.

In pursuit of this prophecy, and emboldened by his wife, Lady Macbeth, he sets out on a murderous path that threatens to sever the ties that bind their minds, their marriage and even the nation itself.

This is the Scottish Play like you’ve never seen it before. Druid brings its visceral and uniquely Irish perspective to one of Shakespeare’s fiercest and bloodiest tragedies.

Tony Award winner Garry Hynes directs a cast of 11 of Ireland's finest actors, led by Marty Rea as Macbeth and fellow Tony Award winner Marie Mullen as Lady Macbeth.

This new production of Macbeth follows Druid’s internationally acclaimed DruidShakespeare (2015) and Richard III (2018), continuing the company’s exploration of the Bard’s canon, 'a mad dynamic pageant of fire, blood, guts and spunk' (Irish Examiner on DruidShakespeare).

Macbeth was first presented in a double bill with Riders to the Sea by J. M. Synge at The Mick Lally Theatre in July 2025 as part of Galway International Arts Festival to mark Druid’s 50th anniversary. Macbeth then transferred to the Gaiety Theatre for Dublin Theatre Festival in September and October 2025.

Show info

★★★★★
'magnificent horror ... extraordinarily accomplished ... riveting'
The Irish Times

★★★★★
'Rea’s electrifying Macbeth ... Mullen’s compelling Lady Macbeth ... the pace is unflagging, the menace unrelenting’
The Guardian

★★★★★
'Druid triumph ... There are echoes of earlier Druid takes on Shakespeare here ... But there is an intensity and directness here that perhaps surpasses any of those’
Irish Examiner

★★★★★
'an extraordinary production ... deeply embodied, raw performances'
Arena, RTÉ Radio 1

★★★★★
'thrilling ... a very Irish version of 'The Scottish Play' ... Marty Rea may well deliver one of the finest performances of his career ... a truly magical experience'
Galway Advertiser

★★★★★
'a tour de force ... immersive staging, sharp direction, and exceptional performances'
Richard's Theatre Reviews

'Garry Hynes's production is by far the best I've seen anywhere’
Fintan O'Toole, The Irish Times

'spirited, soul-touching ... thrilling, profound, intricate’
The Observer on the double bill

'performances of extraordinary interlocking intensity by Rea and Mullen’
The Observer on Macbeth

'unrelenting, passionate, gruesome and brilliant ... a privilege to see this startling work'
Irish Independent on the double bill

'two towering performances from Rea and Mullen as the titular couple anchor the show ... a terrific psychological dynamic’
Irish Independent on Macbeth

'extraordinarily effective ... exhilarating theatre'
Sunday Independent on the double bill

'[Marty] Rea, one of Ireland’s greatest living theatre actors, delivers the sort of performance that audiences will talk about for decades'
Sunday Independent on Macbeth

★★★★
'not for the faint of heart ... be prepared to be seriously blown away'
The Arts Review

★★★★
'eerie portrait of a meticulous killer'
The Irish Mail on Sunday

'powerful, visceral Macbeth remains relevant in today's world ... outstanding ... a wonderful production'
Galway City Tribune

The running time of Macbeth is 2 hours and 30 minutes plus an interval.

Suitable for ages 12+.

Please note that this production features depictions of violence and murder, and references to suicide, self-harm and the death of children. The production also features loud noises, strobe effects, haze and smoke.