What if Macbeth was a 13-year-old child star? Shakespeare meets stage mums and sparkles in riotous adaptation
Bell Shakespeare has premiered Mackenzie in 2026, a Y2K-themed adaptation of Macbeth written by Yve Blake and directed by Virginia Gay. The production reimagines the Scottish tragedy as a story of child stardom and stage mothers, playing in Sydney through July 18 and Melbourne from July 23 to August 9.
How does Mackenzie reimagine the plot of Macbeth?
Writer Yve Blake transports the original plot to the setting of a children’s TV show. Mackenzie, played by Kimberley Hodgson, replaces the Scottish general as an aspiring pop star seeking to become the world’s number one artist. Her mother, Ruth (Nikki Britton), serves as the Lady Macbeth figure who aggressively propels her daughter’s stardom.
The production replaces traditional imagery with Y2K era aesthetics. Daggers are reimagined as acid-filled bottles of makeup remover and tunics are swapped for Juicy tracksuits. According to the production, the story is also backed by musical numbers.
Who are the lead performers in the production?
Kimberley Hodgson portrays Mackenzie, transitioning from a preteen with a bowl cut to a young-adult pop star. Costume designers Keerthi Subramanyam and Sara Kolijn facilitate this growth by shifting the character from frumpy maxi skirts to leather body suits.
Nikki Britton plays Ruth, portraying the role of a merciless stage mother who eventually suffers a breakdown as a guilt-ridden murderess. Ryan González appears as Beau, a reimagining of Banquo as an earnest boy star.
The supporting cast includes Anusha Thomas as Dahlia and a personal assistant, and Jane Watt as Pickles, a solo version of the three witches. Billie Palin portrays Gayle, a reimagined Macduff described as an overalls-wearing butch lesbian.
What is the significance of this adaptation?
The production represents a resurgence of a specific adaptation style at Bell Shakespeare. This approach was previously seen in 2022 with Laura Murphy’s The Lovers, which adapted A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Gen Z.
Because the production maintains the core tragedy of the original play despite the campy setting, it may serve as a template for future modernizations of classics. The success of the 2026 premiere could lead to more frequent departures from traditional Shakespearean scripts.
Where can audiences see the production?
The show is currently running at The Neilson Nutshell in Sydney until July 18. It will then move to the Arts Centre Melbourne, where it will run from July 23 to August 9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote and directed Mackenzie?
The play was written by Yve Blake and directed by Virginia Gay.
How are the three witches represented in this version?
The three witches are condensed into a single character named Pickles, played by Jane Watt.
What are the performance dates for Melbourne?
The production runs at the Arts Centre Melbourne from July 23 to August 9.
Which Y2K fashion trend do you think best fits a Shakespearean tragedy?