Shakespeare for Breakfast
★★★★☆ Controlled chaos
C Aurora (Venue 6): Wed 30 Jul – Sun 24 Aug 2025
Review by Flora Henderson
A Fringe staple since 1992, C theatre returns with Shakespeare for Breakfast, on every morning of the Fringe at C Aurora on Lauriston Street.
The show takes the form of a play within a play, as the Sittingbourne All Stars, diversifying from their usual pantomime, invite the audience to witness an open rehearsal of their production of ‘Macbeth’. Snippets of Shakespeare’s dialogue and the most famous soliloquies are slotted in amongst solo songs, ensemble numbers and comedic sketches.
Lani Calvert, Michael Gatenby, Lucy Bryan, Rhiannon Willans and Amaru Narváez Reyes. Pic: Shakespeare for Breakfast.
After a spooky opening, which remains authentic to the Bard, the tension is dispelled when the cast introduce themselves with a cheery ditty. Accompanied by Michael Gatenby on the piano, Amaru Narváez Reyes, Lani Calvert, Lucy Bryan and Rhiannon Willans form a strong ensemble as the fictitious theatrical group.
Close harmonies, buoyant stage presence and persistent high energy from all the performers allow for a production which is fast-paced and engaging.
gory elements
In order to open up the show to a wider audience, C theatre (or Sittingbourne All Stars, the line is blurry) have decided to remove some of the Scottish play’s more gory elements, instead focusing on the tale through the lens of Lady Macbeth (newly christened as Gwendolyn).
However, in reality her story is no less grisly than the patriarchal original, and suggesting so takes away from both her brutality and the struggles she faces.
Michael Gatenby, Lucy Bryan and Rhiannon Willans. Pic: Shakespeare for Breakfast.
The whole production is cleverly directed by Ollie Stephens and has generally been well-adapted to suit its target demographic. One of the elements which works well is to have Lucy Bryan take on the role of the All Stars’ director. From this position, she is able to translate what might be perceived as difficult language and explain the characters’ underlying motivations – all while staying in character.
Some of the play’s darker scenes – for instance the aftermath of Duncan’s murder – are lightened by the inclusion of new characters. These include a collection of woodland creatures and a slightly gormless police officer. The resulting comedic moments are handled well, creating the desired levity without becoming monotonous. Lani Calvert is particularly strong in this regard as Lady Macbeth, using her vocal prowess as an unconventional method to drug the ‘sleepy grooms’.
impressive supernatural physicality
The performers are as skilled at mastering the original text as they are the humorous additions. Narváez Reyes takes on Macbeth with proficiency, while the three actresses each take on the role of Lady Macbeth at different times, but the dialogue is always clear. As Hecate and the three weird sisters, the various ensemble members adopt an impressive supernatural physicality, which they slip in and out of with ease.
Rhiannon Willans and Lucy Bryan with Michael Gatenby. Pic: Shakespeare for Breakfast.
Willans, when explaining Macduff’s motivation for revenge, manages to portray the character’s humanity, expressed through an over-the-top bluesy ballad. However, as the narrative progresses towards its conclusion, it becomes more difficult to avoid the gruesome elements, and trivialising the ‘Out, damned spot…’ scene into a film noir spoof is less successful.
That being said, the piece does exactly what it sets out to do – it is a funny, light-hearted retelling of one of Shakespeare’s classics, combining the original story with just the right amount of jollity. The performances are consistently strong, resulting in a production which allows the audience to get their Shakespeare fix in a more relaxed, and early-morning appropriate, environment.
Running time: 50 minutes (no interval).
C Aurora (Main House), Lauriston Halls, 28 Lauriston Street, EH3 9DJ. (Venue 6).
Wednesday, 30 July – Sunday, 24 August 2025.
Daily: 10am.
Tickets and details: Book here.
C ARTS website: cvenues
Facebook: @CtheatreEdinburgh
Instagram: @c_theatre
Lani Calvert. Pic: Shakespeare for Breakfast.
ENDS
