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Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence - Crash Theatre Company (FringeWorld 2025)

Reviewed by Kate O'Sullivan

 

Returning to the stage after last year’s successful season and a strong run at Fringe festivals nationwide, Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence reminds us why it’s become such a hit. Combining the cutthroat world of netball with Shakespearean drama, the show offers a unique and entertaining twist that resonates with audiences.


The entire ensemble cast delivers high-energy performances, with a palpable chemistry that drives the humour and drama of the piece. Shannon Rogers shines as Chloe MacDuff, perfectly embodying the quintessential netball girl we’ve all encountered—equal parts commanding and exasperating. Georgia McGivern also steals scenes as Brooke Ross, her hilariously airheaded portrayal grounding the production’s lighter moments while keeping the audience hooked.


Rogers' choreography is polished, making clever use of the entire stage, while the simple yet effective set design complements the show’s vibrant energy. The lighting generally supports the dynamic shifts between dramatic and comedic moments, though faces were sometimes obscured unintentionally by gaps in the lighting plot. Adding a front spotlight could also have helped draw focus in key moments, particularly during some of the ensemble scenes where the background action occasionally competed with the main plot.


Sound proved to be a stumbling block on opening night. Issues with mic peaking and overly loud backing tracks muddied the impact of several well-crafted songs, and the loud music levels didn’t give the audience a chance to appreciate some of the more nuanced moments fully. These technical issues occasionally detracted from the clarity of the storytelling, which was a pity.


The ending, while tying things up nicely, felt a little rushed. The show as a whole may benefit from a little more breathing room at times, allowing the minor characters to be fleshed out further and giving the audience a richer sense of the world. It would be intriguing to see what a less "compacted for Fringe" version of the production might look like in the future.


Despite these small challenges, Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence succeeds in marrying the intensity of Shakespeare with the competitive fervour of netball, delivering a fresh and funny Fringe experience. If you’ve yet to see this sharp and spirited production, it’s one to catch this season.

Image Credit: Nick Robertson (nickmickpics)
Image Credit: Nick Robertson (nickmickpics)

Reviewer Note: Kate has previously performed with members of this cast. Theatre Reviews Perth previously reviewed this show for the FringeWorld 2024 season. Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company.

1 Comment


ldean.dweia
Feb 01

I loved seeing this show but I wonder how well it would translate to a more global audience. Some of the world building and humour relied heavily on what seemed to be very Australian experiences with high school netball.


That said, I don't think I care if it wouldn't translate. It was wonderful anyway!

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