Weird, an electrifying pop-powered musical reimagining Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Macbeth, will make its world premiere at Newcastle Theatre Royal next year. The show will run for a limited time from Wednesday, 28th January to Saturday, 31st January 2026.
Written by Nick Butcher, Kerri Watt, and Fraser Watt, Weird combines witchcraft, mischief, and mayhem with a soundtrack of newly created pop anthems. The musical tells the dramatic tale of the Scottish king through the eyes of three witches. Further creative team and cast announcements are expected soon.
Nick Butcher, Kerri Watt, and Fraser Watt are award-winning songwriters and chart-topping artists known for their modern musical storytelling. Their work spans music, theatre, and film, garnering over 20 million streams. Nick is an Emmy and Olivier Award-nominated songwriter, best known for the West End hit musical The Little Big Things. Kerri Watt is a Top 10 artist and songwriter with performances at Glastonbury, Hyde Park, and The Royal Albert Hall. Fraser Watt, a Berklee College of Music graduate, has worked with Dolly Parton, dearALICE, and media giants like ESPN, Samsung, and Universal.
As part of the Newcastle run, more than 5,000 schoolchildren from across the North East will have the opportunity to see the brand new musical for free. This initiative is a collaboration between producer Michael Harrison and Newcastle Theatre Royal, aiming to provide more pathways for young people to access live theatre.
Michael Harrison said, “When I first read Weird and listened to the incredible soundtrack, I knew I wanted the biggest audience possible to see it. I’m well aware there are thousands of school kids who study Macbeth, the source material of this brilliant new musical. It’s fair to say some of us don’t understand Shakespeare – Weird will change that.”
Marianne Locatori, Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal, added, “I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Michael, one of the most successful and well-respected theatre producers in the UK, to premiere this brand new musical. This is a fantastic opportunity for our theatre and audiences in the city and region to see an amazing new musical.”
Booking for the two performances on Saturday, 31st January 2026 opens on Monday, 24th March at 10am for Friends Plus members, followed by Friends of the Theatre Royal on Friday, 28th March, Flexi Priority Pass members on Tuesday, 1st April, and public on-sale on Friday, 4th April. For more information, please visit theatreroyal.co.uk.
