Shakespeare’s Macbeth is at its most camp in the form of a neon pink, electro-pop teen drama. Crash Theatre Co’s Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence shoots and scores with a delightfully creative, sparkling Fringe debut about how inter-school netball bring out the most ruthless ambition.
Through an engrossing intro number ‘Pick Your Player’ we met a determined and ferocious all-girls netball team, the Dunsinane Hellhounds. ‘Mac Beth’ will stop at nothing to achieve the coveted status of inter-school netball team captain, even if it destroys her friendships and isolates her from the team.
The entire Netball team of characters are unique and united in fierce friendship – after all, this is at its heart a story of girl power, solidarity and glory. Writer and actress for Coach Duncan, Courtney McManus, wins the crowd over with flawless comedic timing and infectious energy. Kate Sisley is a fiercely loyal, devoted and kind Summer Banquo, with a powerhouse voice that shines in ‘Here if You Need’. Unlike the bloody and tragic demise in Shakespeare’s text, this loosely based adaptation ends on an ecstatic high, with the entire cast dancing in harmony to celebrate the importance of women in sport. Orla Jean Poole is a perfectly petty and spiteful ‘Mac Beth’, so desperate to achieve her school-long dream of becoming netball captain she eliminates her competitors Macduff, Banquo and the Porter. Georgia McGivern is hilarious as a loveable Brooke Ross, oblivious to the drama but just happy to be there.
The writing is fresh, witty and absorbing. Thoughts and jealous desires through the soliloquies indicated by rosy lighting and Shakesperean quotes, interspersed with modernisms and witty one-liners – we see Duncan comically try to summon her own soliloquy.
The soundtrack is an electro-pop mix of dreamy synths and ridiculously catchy tunes. Outstanding piece ‘Thunder Lightning Rain’ sees the infamously grotesque witches turn into dreamy and dazzling pop trio the ‘Dagger Divas’. The costumes are sparkling; they emerge in satin pink robes, seamlessly in sync. The final Megamix is combined with the bows, giving every actress the opportunity to shine as the cast seamlessly switch between songs. From softer, more emotive tracks (‘Here If You Need’) to electro-fuelled rage and revenge (‘Trap A Rat’), the finesse and cohesion marks for a production destined to go far. The impressive choreography shows the netball team in complete harmony, relying on each other and working better as a team not divided by jealousy.
Even with comically low stakes, at the story’s core is an ode to female friendship, solidarity and the power of women in sport. With an entirely female cast and crew, the result is an uplifting, warm hug of a musical glistening with warmth and pink glitter.
Reviewer: Juliette Pepin
Reviewed: 13th August 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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