The most exciting thing about the Edinburgh Fringe programme is the sheer variety of shows on offer each year. Some have intriguing titles and make you wonder what they are about, and for me this was definitely the case with CRASH Theatre Co’s ‘Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence’. A musical set on a high school netball court, that takes inspiration from Shakespeare? I had to find out more! It was brilliant to be able to ask Co-Founder, Creative Producer and Co-Lyricist Ana Ferreira Manhoso some questions about the show, which is part of the Assembly and House of Oz festival programmes.
‘Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence’ is a new musical set on a netball court that ‘welcomes back the politics of a PE class’. What inspired you to join this unique project that is inspired by Macbeth’s themes?
From its inception, Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence felt like lightning in a bottle: a wild, witty collision of Shakespearean drama and Aussie teen chaos. As the creative producer and co-founder of CRASH, I am always deeply involved in any show we do, but stepping into the creative development and performance side again has been genuinely life-affirming. The story’s themes – ambition, power, identity – felt personal, and I was drawn to the idea of exploring them through the mess and magic of teenage girlhood. Plus, how can you not be hooked by the title alone? After many years just producing shows, this project marked the end of my performing hiatus – and what a way to come back to the stage. It’s been so much fun, and such a joy to be part of creating something so bold and heartfelt with the best creative counterparts in the biz.
With characters such as dedicated players Mac Beth and Chloe Macduff and Coach Duncan, to what extent does the narrative mimic Shakespeare’s original tale?
The show plays with the original text in really clever ways – think more “inspired by” than “direct adaptation.” You’ll see familiar names, plot points, and power dynamics, but everything’s reimagined through the intense emotional logic of high school sport. There’s still betrayal, ambition, and a sense of doom – but now it’s wrapped in glitter, sweat, and teen rage – told through high voltage dance tracks. The spirit of Macbeth is definitely there, but it’s been given a whistle and a netball bib.
The musical ‘explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and the fierce determination of teenage girls’. How has it been so far portraying such ambitious characters?
It’s been thrilling and exhausting, in the best possible way. These girls are relentless, vulnerable, terrifying and hilarious all at once. Performing them means going full out, emotionally and physically, and it’s made me fall in love with the stage all over again. Producing and performing is hard work, but what’s made it truly worthwhile is the incredible talent and bond of our team.
In many ways, we’ve manifested the very heart and meaning of this show as we’ve performed and toured it over the past year, living out its themes of teamwork, ambition, and trust night after night. Reviews often mention the “ensemble strength akin to teamwork on the court”, and it’s so true. That unity and shared fire are what give the show its pulse (plus, the killer bass).
The lyrics are a collaboration between Courtney McManus (book writer), Bec Price (composer) and yourself (creative producer and performer). What can you tell me about how you collectively approached writing the lyrics for the show?
This was my first time stepping into the role of co-lyricist, and it’s been one of the most rewarding and transformational experiences of my creative life. We wrote from inside the characters’ heads, always chasing that tension between epic and everyday, Shakespeare and schoolyard.
Working so closely with Courtney and Bec – both absolute powerhouses – meant I got to help shape this work from the ground up. It was also the first time any of us had created musical theatre, so we thought we had no idea what we were doing… What amazed me was how naturally something extraordinary took shape when we brought our skills and instincts together. Deepening my creative input in this way has completely shifted how I see myself as an artist. But, honestly? I think the three of us have only just scratched the surface of what we can do together.
The musical is presented by an ‘all-female powerhouse team of Australian artists’. What are you most excited about showcasing the production in Scotland this summer?
It’s such a proud moment to bring this unapologetically female, fiercely Australian work to the international stage. The Fringe is such an incredible platform for bold voices and emerging artists, and I think there’s something really special about sharing this show’s blend of grit and glitter with a whole new side of the world. I am also just inexplicably excited to celebrate this achievement with the girls – this team has poured so much heart into every detail, and I can’t wait for audiences in Scotland to experience that energy.
Why should audiences come and watch this netball and Macbeth-themed musical?
Because it’s a full-throttle, harmony-drenched, bass-pumping musical showdown like nothing you’ve seen before. The soundtrack slaps – blending electropop, and theatre with lyrics and hooks that literally refuse to leave your head. Whether you’re a Shakespeare fan, a musical theatre nerd, or just someone who loves a bloody good show, this is for you.
Come for the high-stakes netball, stay for the vocal power plays, explosive choreography, and a soundtrack that’ll live rent-free in your head long after the final whistle. If you’re still not convinced, or if you want to relive it all? Our Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence touring cast album drops 31 July on all streaming platforms.
High-stakes school netball at the Edinburgh Fringe
It’s been brilliant to hear more about the show from Ana. I can totally see why this would be the project to inspire the creative to return to performing! You can catch the company in action at Studio One at Assembly George Square Studios from 30th July to 25th August (not 6th, 13th and 20th). Performances start at 16:15 and tickets are available via the festival’s website.
Thanks for reading my blog today.
Love Kat xxxx
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