What if Macbeth was a 13-year-old child star? Shakespeare meets stage mums and sparkles in riotous adaptation
Brett Boardman When Bell Shakespeare’s Mackenzie begins, it is with the clap of thunder and flash of lightning you might expect from any adaptation of Macbeth. And yet, what follows is no ordinary production of the much beloved Scottish play. The 2026 premiere of Mackenzie, written by Yve Blake and directed by Virginia Gay, keeps the outlines of Shakespeare’s play and transports it to a Y2K fever dream of child stardom, pink sparkles and stage mums. But make no mistake, divas
A new adaptation of Macbeth, titled Mackenzie, is set to premiere in 2026. The play, written by Yve Blake and directed by Virginia Gay, reimagines the classic story in a Y2K-inspired world of child stardom and glitter. The production retains the core elements of Shakespeare's original play but places them in a modern, child-centric context. The story follows Mackenzie, a young pop star, and her mother, who drives her ambitions. The play blends comedy and tragedy, with a focus on the emotional depth of the characters. The cast delivers powerful performances that maintain the essence of the original tragedy. The production marks a shift for Bell Shakespeare, which typically focuses on traditional adaptations. This new approach aims to engage a younger audience with a fresh take on classic literature.
This adaptation offers a fresh perspective on a classic play, making it more accessible and relevant to modern audiences.
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