In 2011, Morrissey starred as Robert Carne in "South Riding", and played Dunlop in the Lionsgate crime drama feature "Blitz". In May 2011, he returned to the Everyman Theatre to play the eponymous king in "Macbeth". Morrissey talked about the role to criminologists, to draw parallels with real-life serial killers, and focused on Macbeth's status as a war hero and his childless relationship with Lady Macbeth. Morrissey's performance was commended by Laura Davis in the "Liverpool Daily Post", who highlighted his delivery of his lines and portrayal of Macbeth "from straight-spined statesman to a fervent slayer". Clare Brenan of "The Observer" offered similar praise but noted that Morrissey's vocal inflections were sometimes "flat and rushed". Continuing his roles in Shakespeare productions, Morrissey played Northumberland in a BBC Two production of "Richard II", broadcast in July 2012.