David Tennant and Cush Jumbo’s ‘Macbeth’ Achieves Perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes Amidst Global Cinema Success

An acclaimed theatrical production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, featuring distinguished performances by David Tennant as the titular character and Cush Jumbo as Lady Macbeth, has achieved a rare 100% score on the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes following its recent release in cinemas worldwide.

Originally a celebrated staging at the Donmar Warehouse in London, the production later transferred to the West End’s Harold Pinter Theatre before being adapted for the screen by Trafalgar Releasing for a global cinema rollout.

Critical Acclaim: The Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score

The perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for the cinema release underscores the widespread critical consensus regarding the quality and impact of this particular interpretation of the classic tragedy. This score, based on compiled reviews from numerous film critics, places the production in an exclusive category of universally lauded works, highlighting its successful transition from stage to screen and its resonance with reviewers in a new medium.

Box Office Performance: Global Reach

Beyond critical reception, the cinematic presentation has demonstrated significant commercial viability. In its initial week of release, the film adaptation garnered over £2 million globally at the box office. This strong performance was achieved across a broad network of more than 1,000 cinemas, spanning key international territories including the UK, US, Australia, and others.

Production Details and Origins

The production, directed by Max Webster, was noted during its theatrical run for its innovative approach and intense atmosphere. A particularly highlighted technical element is the sound design by Gareth Fry, which notably utilises Binaural sound technology. This technology, designed to replicate the human ear’s perception of sound in three dimensions, enhances the immersive experience for audiences, a feature likely amplified by the cinema presentation.

Key Cast Members

The ensemble cast supporting Tennant and Jumbo includes a roster of talented actors who contributed to the production’s acclaimed status. The full cast featured in the production includes Moyo Akandé, Annie Grace, Brian James O’Sullivan, Casper Knopf, Cal MacAninch, Kathleen MacInnes, Alasdair Macrae, Rona Morison, Noof Ousellam, Raffi Phillips, Jatinder Singh Randhawa, Ros Watt, and Benny Young.

Prior Stage Success and Awards Recognition

The production’s cinematic success builds upon a foundation of significant acclaim garnered during its live theatrical runs. The original stage presentation at the Donmar Warehouse and its subsequent West End transfer received widespread praise from leading critics. Publications such as the Guardian, Telegraph, and Financial Times were among those that awarded the production prestigious five-star reviews, cementing its reputation as a must-see theatrical event.

This critical recognition translated into major industry accolades. At the recent 2025 Whatsonstage Awards, the production was a significant winner. David Tennant received the award for Best Performer in a Play for his portrayal of Macbeth. The production itself was honoured with the award for Best Play Revival, and Gareth Fry’s innovative work was recognised with the award for Best Sound Design.

Tennant’s Other Engagements

The success of Macbeth coincides with other prominent engagements for star David Tennant. It was recently announced that Tennant is set to host the upcoming BAFTA awards ceremony. The event is scheduled to take place on February 16, 2025, at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London, highlighting Tennant’s prominent standing within the performing arts community.

Conclusion

The perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and robust global box office performance underscore the enduring power of Shakespeare’s work when interpreted by a skilled cast and creative team, and the appetite for high-quality theatrical content presented in cinematic format. The success of the Donmar Warehouse’s Macbeth, starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo, serves as a compelling example of critical and commercial triumph in both live theatre and mediated performance.