Award-winning, genre-bending, and riotously funny: Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence is an original pop musical that reimagines Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy through the high-stakes world of high school netball.
Winner of the 2025 House of Oz Purse Prize, Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence is a shakespearean tragedy turned girl-power pop musical, with netball bibs, bobby pins and bangers.
Presented by the 100% female-led Crash Theatre Co, and underpinned by electronic pop-synth music composition by West Australian artist & musician Project BEXX. This dynamic production is a crowd-pleasing blend of pop-driven musical theatre, Shakespearean drama, and biting teen comedy – described as “a little bit Mean Girls, and a little bit Pitch Perfect.” – Weekend Notes
Since premiering to rave reviews at the 2024 Perth Fringe World Festival, the show has has thrilled audiences across Australia on a smash-hit national tour, selling out major festivals including Sydney Fringe, Melbourne Fringe, and the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Along the way, collected an impressive slate of accolades.
This “60-minute ride of your life” musical reimagines Macbeth through the lens of a high school netball team, blending sharp satire, exhilarating choreography, and pop anthems into a hilarious and heartfelt take on ambition, power, and teen girl rage.
“A high-energy modern Australian re-imagining of Shakespeare presented by a powerhouse team.” ★★★★½ – Glam Adelaide
“Possibly the funniest interpretation I’ve seen so far.” ★★★★½ – ArtsHub
“Destined to be one of this year’s mightiest Fringe highlights.” ★★★★ – Time Out
“West End ready… This show has all the makings of the next Six.” – Magazine 6000
“Too bloody maleficent to miss!” ★★★★½ – Fringe Feed
“A tight ensemble where everyone is a star player.” ★★★★★ – Weekend Notes
“A sharp, feminist comedy with phenomenal music and thrilling vocals.” ★★★★★ – See Do Eat
“Energetic, funny, bonding, this has the potential to be much larger…” ★★★★ – Stage Whispers
“A vibrant musical that proves why CRASH is one of Australia’s most exciting emerging voices.” ★★★★★ – The Advertiser
Led by a team of powerhouse triple-threat performers, and backed by a thumping original soundtrack from Project BEXX, the show’s choreography, harmonies, and comic timing deliver a “crowd-pleasing winner” that resonates across generations – especially with young adult, student, and sport-leaning audiences.
Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence breathes new life into a literary classic and is fuelled by an electrifying soundscape, underpinned by electronic pop-synth compositions created by award-winning vocalist, DJ, and music producer, Project BEXX. Step onto the court of this contemporary turmoil that entangles the timeless allure of Shakespearean drama, presented by an all-female powerhouse team of Western Australian artists.
In a thrilling Shakespearean twist on the netball court, Mac Beth passionately pursues the coveted title of Year 12 Netball Captain of the Dunsinane Hell-Hounds. Expect a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and redemption as Coach Duncan’s decisions spark a fierce battle for leadership. The Dagger Divas, a trio of dreamy melodies (think Dreamgirls but Mean Girls), visit Mac in her slumbers, echoing the bard’s famous ghostly encounters. They fuel her with the fire to overcome adversity and fight on. Amid accusations and plot twists, Mac’s determination leads her to the brink of glory. But her reckless actions take her to the edge of despair, creating suspicion and fear among her teammates. As alliances shift and friendships fracture, a climactic showdown awaits the netball battlefield. Will Mac’s relentless drive for success ultimately lead to her triumph, or banishment?
Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence isn’t just another musical; it’s a vibrant cultural touchstone that is set to reignite across stages throughout the globe. It serves as a catalyst for the crusade of gender equality, inviting audiences not just to an electrifying experience of music, dance and theatre, but to reinforce the vision for a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable future for women in sports.
For media inquiries for our 2025 Edinburgh Fringe season please contact edinburgh@
CRASH can offer a family friendly schools presentation of the musical for students, accompanied with a bespoke Creative Learning Resource, with an optional post-performance Q&A after each show.
Written by current education practitioners, Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence‘s connection to curriculum sets the scene for transformative and powerful creative learning experiences for students across fields of English, Literature, Drama, Dance and Health.
Schools are invited to inquire for an exclusive incursion presentation of the show and receive a complimentary Creative Learning Resource which includes a comprehensive framework of pre and post-show learning activities.
For further information and to make an inquiry please contact us.