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Filmed 21 Aug 2026Released October 2026theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall
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Macbeth - 2026 Fringe
Cast & Creatives
Press
3.6
from 5 press reviews
"Most importantly, it is enormous fun. The music soars, the storytelling is thoughtful and the atmosphere remains infectious throughout. More than anything, it serves as a reminder that Shakespeare belongs to everybody. His plays are sturdy enough to survive almost any concept, provided that concept emerges from genuine engagement with the material rather than a desperate search for novelty. Like a well-loved folk song passed endlessly between performers, Macbeth continues to find new voices willing to sing it. This New Zealand company have discovered a particularly fine one."
Audience
47
audience reviews
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"Macbeth: Blood and Bluegrass — What a terrific, exhilarating production. Macbeth: Blood and Bluegrass takes an audacious idea and makes it work brilliantly. The production is bursting with energy from beginning to end. The bluegrass music is far more than an entertaining addition: it captures and intensifies the emotions of the play, working with the acting to convey its ambition, passion, violence and tragedy. Shakespeare and bluegrass might sound an unlikely combination, but here they feel entirely at home together. The gender switch is inspired. Rather than seeming like a gimmick, it brings a fresh and fascinating dynamic to a story we think we know. At the centre of it all is a superb performance from the actor playing Macbeth — commanding, emotionally convincing and utterly compelling. Inventive, wonderfully performed and tremendous fun, while never losing sight of the darkness and emotional power of Macbeth. One of those Fringe productions that takes a bold idea and makes you wonder why nobody thought of it before. A hugely enjoyable and memorable Macbeth."
"A remarkable feat of reimagining by a phenomenal troupe of Kiwi artists who include the gifted director onstage in the title role. All of the performers can sing, play instruments, clown, adlib, AND deliver powerful, iconic text with equal ease: so in sync and with so much flow that the show flies by like it’s under an hour. This Macbeth is a relatable human figure, a layered dramatic character trapped in a cruel comedy and surrounded by a pack of trickster Gods with impeccable comic timing. The whole cast of characters seem to be in cahoots with the witches to drive the protagonists toward their tragic fate. The gender switch on some key roles breathes fresh air into these ancient characters you may have thought you knew; the empathy one feels for Macbeth and her husband–not to mention their actual love story–is powerful and only deepened by the unforgettable musical numbers. This is a production like none I have ever seen, and may be all the Macbeth any of us ever need."
"To call this an enormously enjoyable re-make of Macbeth would be a real understatement. A troupe of extremely talented NZ actors/musicians perform key parts of this most famous of plays in a truly innovative way. Combining wonderfully written bluegrass-style music, performed so well, with some superbly passionate acting makes this an absolute top Fringe pick for 2026. Clear from me, with a particular shout-out for angry-singing Macduff. And I haven’t even mentioned the wrong-footing gender switches. Congratulations to Ms Macbeth, Mr Lady Macbeth and Ms Malcolm! Bravo - 5 stars"
