Courtney McManus brings Shakespeare to the sports court in Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence, a bold and hilarious reimagining of the classic tragedy set in the high-stakes world of school netball. This award-winning musical from CRASH Theatre Co has already wowed audiences across Australia and is now making its UK debut at the Edinburgh Fringe.
With a sharp script, electric pop-synth score by PROJECT BEXX, and an all-female creative team, the show explores ambition, power, and teenage politics through a uniquely sporty lens. McManus, who also stars in the production, delivers a performance that’s as fierce as it is funny.
Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence runs from 30 July to 25 August 2025 (not 6, 13, or 20 August) at Assembly George Square (Studio One), 16:15 daily. Tickets are available now.
You’re bringing Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence to Assembly George Square – what can you tell us about the show?
Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence is a pop-synth, Shakespearean netball musical in the world of high school sport, complete with hot pink uniforms, girl gangs, and an original soundtrack that feels more pop concert than traditional theatre.
It’s fast, funny, fierce, and filled with heart. At its core, it’s a bold celebration of women in sport and a powerful reminder that true strength lies in the support of your team.
What inspired you to reimagine Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth as a netball-obsessed teenager?
The idea came during the Barbie-mania of 2023 and the Matildas’ incredible FIFA Women’s World Cup run (Australia’s national women’s football team).
There was this incredible cultural moment where femininity, athleticism, and power were all on display, and I was inspired to contribute something to that space. Reimagining Lady Macbeth as a teenage netballer felt like a natural way to explore the same themes of drive and downfall through a lens that’s hyper-relatable and uniquely Australian.
The show blends musical theatre with high-energy pop and dance – how did you and the creative team develop that unique style?
From the beginning, we knew this show needed to move like a netball game—quick, electric, and full of adrenaline.
So, musically, the only answer for pop-synth bops, dancefloor beats, and chantable choruses we wanted was Project BEXX. Polly St Pearl (Shannon Rogers) choreographed the show, combining dance and sport to create athletic movement that is beautiful to look at while also moving the plot forward.
Both the composition and choreography were intentionally created to make the theatre feel like a sports arena but also a dance party.
What has the audience response been like so far, especially after your award-winning run at Adelaide Fringe?
It’s been unreal. The show has connected with so many different kinds of people—Shakespeare lovers, musical theatre fans, netball mums, queer teens.
We’ve had people in tears, people dancing in their seats, people coming back to see it again. Winning awards and selling out shows is such an honour, and we feel so grateful to be getting the recognition for our work.
But honestly, it’s been the opportunity to make Shakespeare accessible and for the girls that has been the most fulfilling.
The show explores ambition, power, and friendship – what do you hope audiences take away from it?
That ambition isn’t evil, but unchecked ambition without empathy can be isolating and destructive.
Mac gets to learn what the original Lady Macbeth never could—how to take responsibility and rebuild. We want people to walk away feeling energised, reflective, and maybe a little more appreciative of the teammates in their own lives.
You can be strong and soft. You can fight hard and still be kind. And sometimes, winning isn’t the point; who you’ve got beside you is.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence?
You have to come to this award-winning, sold-out dance party called Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence!
Even if you’ve never liked Shakespeare. Even if you’ve never played netball. Come for the electropop beats, the sass, the blood, and the betrayal.
You’ll laugh, you might cry, and by the end, you’ll probably want to throw on a bib and scream for the Dunsinane Hell-Hounds.
This show is for anyone who’s ever been underestimated, overachieved, or just needed a reminder of how much strength there is in your squad.
