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MACBETH
A Taste of What's to Come
MACBETH
ACT ONE
Scene five
LADY MACBETH
A letter from my husband Mac,
To tell me when he’s coming back.
He really is considerate.
Excuse me while I read a bit.
“I killed some men, I met the king,
I played some golf”. The usual thing!
“I met some women” Oh did he indeed?
“They told me some stuff and sparked off my greed”
Ba blabablabablababla…
“That I will be king, and I will go far!”
To be the king, he’ll pay a price.
But he won’t do that, he’s far too nice.
And that’s where Lady M comes in;
I’ll practically do anything!
A Taste of What's to Come
MACBETH
ACT ONE
Scene five
LADY MACBETH
A letter from my husband Mac,
To tell me when he’s coming back.
He really is considerate.
Excuse me while I read a bit.
“I killed some men, I met the king,
I played some golf”. The usual thing!
“I met some women” Oh did he indeed?
“They told me some stuff and sparked off my greed”
Ba blabablabablababla…
“That I will be king, and I will go far!”
To be the king, he’ll pay a price.
But he won’t do that, he’s far too nice.
And that’s where Lady M comes in;
I’ll practically do anything!
Dr. Paul Leonard Murray’s Silly Shakespeare for Students version of Macbeth breathes new life into Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy, transforming it into a lively, one-hour adaptation written entirely in rhyming couplets. While the core tale of unchecked ambition, descent into madness, and ultimate downfall remains intact, this version takes a playful turn with a commedia dell’arte flair—proving that even the grimmest of Shakespeare’s works can surprise you with humor and energy.
Perfect for introducing students to the Bard’s genius, this adaptation simplifies the language without sacrificing the intensity of the plot. Audiences will still witness Macbeth’s fateful rise and unraveling, Lady Macbeth’s relentless drive and haunting guilt, and the eerie influence of the witches’ cryptic prophecies. Yet, this version moves briskly, drawing readers and performers into the action while maintaining Shakespeare’s poetic spirit.
Ideal for classrooms, drama clubs, and aspiring performers, this edition also includes helpful production notes, a summary of the play, and tips for performance, making it accessible for even those new to drama. Whether you’re looking to enhance English skills, explore Shakespearean themes, or simply stage a production full of wit and creativity, this Silly Shakespeare version of Macbeth delivers a fresh, fun, and unforgettable take on a timeless classic.
“Macbeth is a play I know very well, and I think Murray has done an amazing job of capturing the heart and soul of the story whilst updating it for modern readers and theatergoers. The Silly Shakespeare for Students series is a great way to introduce readers to Shakespeare, and I can’t wait to see what Murray reimagines next.”
Lois Hurrell
- Reader’s Favorite
Murray has crafted a piece that is playful and fun while never turning away from the drama that is at the heart of Shakespeare’s play. It is a unique work, delightfully theatrical, and well-suited for production both in the classroom and on stage.”
John Sipes – Professor Emeritus of Theatre, University of Tennessee, Former Artistic Director, Illinois Shakespeare Festival
Trivia
Shakespeare is the most performed author: His plays, including Macbeth, are the most performed plays in the history of theater.
The Three Witches: The witches in Macbeth, who predict the fate of the main characters, were inspired by real beliefs in witches and prophecies in 16th-century Scotland and England. They are crucial to the development of the play and Macbeth’s downfall.
| Weight: | 5.3 oz |
| Dimensions: | 8.5 × 5.5 × .375 in |
| ISBN: | 978-1-948492-74-4 |
| Pages: | 112 pages |
| Publication Date: | 20 April 2020 |
| Series: | Silly Shakespeare for Students |
| Size: | 5.5 x 8.5 inches |
| Writer: | Paul Leonard Murray |
| Skills: | Listening, Speaking |
| Age Group: | Adults, High School, Middle School, University |
“Macbeth is a play I know very well, and I think Murray has done an amazing job of capturing the heart and soul of the story whilst updating it for modern readers and theatergoers. The Silly Shakespeare for Students series is a great way to introduce readers to Shakespeare, and I can’t wait to see what Murray reimagines next.”
Lois Hurrell
- Reader’s Favorite
Trivia
Shakespeare is the most performed author: His plays, including Macbeth, are the most performed plays in the history of theater.
The Three Witches: The witches in Macbeth, who predict the fate of the main characters, were inspired by real beliefs in witches and prophecies in 16th-century Scotland and England. They are crucial to the development of the play and Macbeth’s downfall.