Learning Resources

Macbeth

William Shakespeare

Discover teaching ideas and lesson planning inspiration through our range of resources, activities and other supporting materials on Shakespeare's Macbeth.

INSET DAYS ON MACBETH

"Fantastic workshop with so many useful activities, thank you for a great session that will enhance the children’s learning." - Primary Teacher in Nottingham

Book an INSET day with the RSC on teaching Macbeth for Primary, Key Stage 3, GCSE or A-level. Our INSET Days explore techniques used in our rehearsal rooms and and look at how you can use these in the classroom to bring Shakespeare to life.

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Resources and Activities

Macbeth follows the story of a Scottish nobleman who is told by witches that he will become king one day. Inspired and driven by their prophecy, he goes on to kill the king and take the throne.    

When Macbeth was written, King James I was on the throne of England and his fascination with witchcraft and magic can be seen throughout the play. There are lots of themes you can choose to explore in Macbeth, including:

  • Ambition
  • Kingship
  • Fate and free will
  • Grief and despair
  • Loyalty and deception
  • Rebellion
  • Duty and honour

You can discover more about these themes and where they appear in the text in our Themes Resource.

DOWNLOAD FREE RESOURCES

Access Teacher Packs, a Macbeth synopsis and activities by downloading these PDFs: 

Live Lesson: 2023

Watch our Live Lesson on Macbeth from 2023 on demand. Featuring actors from the production this 40 minute Lesson explores the relationship between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, looking at two key scenes from the play. 

Watch On Demand

SIGNING SHAKESPEARE FOR DEAF STUDENTS

This programme was created by the University of Birmingham and the RSC to support deaf young people in their study and enjoyment of Shakespeare. There is a scheme of work for the study of Macbeth, supported by resources including a series of films created by deaf actors and directors.

 

Shakespeare Learning Zone

Students will find many resources on Macbeth in our Shakespeare Learning Zone, including scene by scene analysis, activities on character relationships, in depth scene studies and PEE grids. These resources are also perfect to be used by teachers in the classroom.

 

Studying Shakespeare? Then you'll love our SHAKESPEARE LEARNING ZONE!
Discover loads of facts, videos and in-depth information about Shakespeare's plays.

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Really get to grips with the stories, settings and characters of Shakespeare's plays. Unlock his language using the same techniques our actors use in rehearsals.