Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence

Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence may well be the best piece of theatre about girls in sport since Sarah DeLappe’s The Wolves. Based on the Scottish play, the machinations, quest for power and underhand dealings now take place within a Year Eleven netball team. Clever writing and some outstanding musical theatre performances make this an excellent FringeWorld choice.

Mac Beth, poignantly played by Orla-Jean Poole, plays Wing Defence in the netball team The Dunsinane Hellhounds. Since Year Seven her one desire is to be captain of the Year 12 Netball Team, and when pop group The Dagger Divas appear to her in a dream, it seems that her dreams might be able to come true, with just a small evil act. 

Clever, with great links to the original Shakespeare and some bopping tunes, we become bonded to the Hellhounds as our Lady Mac becomes more and more desperate. Strong teamwork from this ensemble cast including Shannon Rogers’ very wronged Chloe McDuff, Kate Sisley’s optimistic and sunshiny Summer Banquo and Andrea Lim’s seemingly sweet Jess Malcolm who has a scary alter-ego. Rebecca Collin brings attitude to goth chick Ashley Donalbain, Georgia McGivern quickly becomes an audience favourite as the gorgeously vague Brooke Ross and Ana Ferreira Manhoso’s state team ring-in Mia Porter brings sass and confidence (although her earrings would never be allowed on the court).  Courtney McManus shines as no-nonsense leader, Coach Duncan.

These strong singers also move well, with Shannon Rogers’ choreography clever and surprisingly complex given the pocket-sized stage. The simple set serves the production well, and the costumes, in fabulously feminine hot pink, are excellent. 

Possibly Crash Theatre’s best production to date, this script is also very marketable, and I could see this show gracing community and school stages in the near future.

A great choice for those who loved or loathed playing netball, and for those who love a new female positive musical.

Kimberley Shaw