Macbeth (Arkangel Shakespeare) [UNABRIDGED] (Audio CD)

by William Shakespeare (Author), Hugh Ross (Narrator), Harriet Walter (Narrator), Arkangel Cast (Narrator)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Three witches predict not only that Macbeth will become king of Scotland, but also that his fellow general, Banquo, will father a succession of Scottish kings — though Banquo himself will never be crowned. When Lady Macbeth persuades her husband to slay King Duncan and seize the throne of Scotland, Macbeth achieves his ambition, but one murder leads to more. Guilt, retribution, and self-destiny are explored in one of Shakespeare's crowning achievements. Performed by Hugh Ross, Harriet Walter, and the Arkangel cast.

From AudioFile
MACBETH has a cursed history. A disturbingly large number of actors have been maimed, mugged, and even murdered while performing it--so experiencing it safely via CD is perhaps prudent. This recording is everything one has come to expect from the Arkangel Shakespeare series--solid performances and suitably Scottish voices--but offers little in the way of fresh interpretation. Still, the famous scenes are memorable--from the drama of Lady Macbeth's guilty sleepwalking to the low comedy of the drunken porter at the gates of hell--and remind the listener that even a conventional Macbeth succeeds if it is well acted. D.B. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America; Unabridged edition (May 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193221920X
• ISBN-13: 978-1932219203
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #114,768 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Yet!, October 24, 2005

By	D. Durkee (Coquille, OR) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've been playing this in a regular senior English class. Many of the students are finally understanding the play. The actors in this cd do a wonderful job interpreting their lines. The Scottish accents are well done. Sound effects make it vivid. It's the best production I've found to date.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Classroom Use, January 12, 2007

By	Cat Silverthorne - See all my reviews

This series is wonderful if you are a teacher. It really helps students to hear how Shakespeare's words are supposed to flow when spoken by classically trained actors. Students snicker a bit at first when they hear the Scottish accents, but they get used to them quickly and the quality of the recording is excellent. The cheesy music in between acts is irritating, but you learn to ignore it. A fun bit of trivia is that the porter scene is acted by David Tennant who most people know as the current Dr. Who! It's also a treat to be able to listen to Macbeth in my car. Shakespeare makes rush-hour almost tolerable.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Macbeth!, May 14, 2007

By	DeppSun "Johnny" (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This CD is excellent--the witches are super creepy sounding, and the unabridged text is well performed. Definitely helpful for teaching Macbeth.