Theatre / Reviews
Review: MakeBeth, The Wardrobe Theatre – ‘An irresistible, interactive cardboard reimagining of The Scottish Play for young audiences’
Launched in 2012 by multi-award-winning Bristol-based puppetry designer/maker and self-confessed ‘cardboard enthusiast’ Sam Wilde, Cardboard Adventures offers a range of online crafting kits and workshops, all created from recycled cardboard.
They also make interactive theatre, with the same premise at its heart: crafting all new adventures from a sustainable source.
Featuring corrugated pirates, space robots, paper dragons and a cast of three engineers, their ‘STEM-powered’ time-travelling show Boxville has been entertaining young audiences both inside and out since 2023 – recently featuring at the Weston Studio as part of Bristol Old Vic’s half-term family programme.
New for 2026, is their unique ‘make-a-long’ reimagining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, a co-production with Shakespeare’s Globe, written by Hannah Khalil, directed by Ian Nicholson, aimed at ages 7+, and cannily renamed MakeBeth.
Anyone raising an eyebrow at the idea of The Scottish Play as an introduction to The Bard for primary school audiences, I’m happy to say, can relax. Because right from the start, it really works.
Our fine trio of very talented actor-musicians are here not only to guide us through the action, but to involve us in making it happen.
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At three separate points through the hour-long romp, the audience are invited to make cardboard contributions to the plot. We construct: cauldron ingredients for the Weird Sisters on the blasted heath; scary masks to haunt Macbeth alongside Banquo’s ghost; and finally the sinister moving forest of Birnam Wood, that travels to Dunsinane before the murderous king is finally vanquished by Macduff’s army.
Along the way, as well as some excellent multi-roling from Elisabeth Ellen, Harry Miller and Angus Tikka, there are imaginative representations of the blood, gore and psychological horror that is so characteristic of Shakespeare’s play, yet delivered with a lightness and humour that allows the attendant children to engage fully, without shrinking from the drama of the narrative.
Throughout, there are also abundant examples of Wilde’s cardboard costume and prop wizardry; a unique aesthetic that lends MakeBeth a sense of wonder and fun that is truly irresistible.
MakeBeth is at The Wardrobe Theatre until April 11 at 11am and 2pm. Visit www.thewardrobetheatre.com for tickets.
All photos: Paul Blakemore
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