The Prophetic Tragedy of Macbeth and Those Who Knew Him
Announcement posted by Thurnham Teece 12 Feb 2025
Media Release
12 February 2025
UpStage at the Playhouse in association with All's One Theatre | 20 - 29 March 2025
UpStage at the Playhouse, in association with All's One Theatre, is proud to present The Prophetic Tragedy of Macbeth and Those Who Knew Him, a bold new adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy, from 20 - 29 March 2025. Directed and adapted by Pippa Thoroughgood, this production takes a fresh and contemporary look at themes of ambition, betrayal, and the corrupting force of power, reimagining the iconic story of Macbeth through the lens of modern society.
A New Lens on a Classic Tale
The Prophetic Tragedy of Macbeth and Those Who Knew Him dives deep into the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition. In this adaptation, Macbeth is portrayed not as a victim of manipulation, but as a man fully capable of violence and darkness from the very start. Consumed by ambition, Macbeth's quest for power leads him down a path of violence and betrayal, a cautionary tale that resonates with the world today.
"The tragedy is about the horrors of power," says director and adaptor Pippa Thoroughgood. "Macbeth's ambition isn't forced upon him by others; he is awakened to his true nature, which is violent and ruthless. This adaptation presents Macbeth as a man who chooses his own fate, and in doing so, brings destruction to everything he touches."
The supernatural elements, personified by the Weird Sisters, will not be portrayed as agents of evil, but rather as truth-tellers. In this version of the play, the supernatural reflects the truth of human nature, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked power. "The supernatural is not evil," Thoroughgood explains. "It is power itself, a reflection of the truth that is often inconvenient and dangerous when revealed."
Shakespeare, King James, and the Legacy of Macbeth
Written in part to flatter King James I and reinforce his divine right to rule, Macbeth is historically a political work designed to align with the monarch's obsession with witches and the legitimacy of his reign. However, the historical Macbeth, who ruled Scotland for 17 years with relative peace, is drastically different from Shakespeare's portrayal. This adaptation seeks to uncover the distortion of history and reflects on how power is shaped and manipulated through time.
"Macbeth was written to serve a political agenda, to reinforce the authority of King James," says Thoroughgood. "In this version, we look past the myth to explore how ambition can corrupt even those with the greatest potential for good. It's a story about how power, once acquired, can quickly spiral out of control."
A Contemporary Relevance
Set against the backdrop of today's world, The Prophetic Tragedy of Macbeth and Those Who Knew Him explores themes that are as relevant now as they were 400 years ago. With global political unrest, rising inequality, and the quest for power driving many of today's conflicts, the production serves as a sharp commentary on the consequences of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power.
"Today, we're witnessing the devastating effects of ambition and power in our society," Thoroughgood notes. "This play speaks to how we let those in power shape our future, and the disastrous consequences when that power is used without regard for the greater good."
An Unmissable Experience for Young Audiences
Targeting an adolescent and young adult audience, The Prophetic Tragedy of Macbeth and Those Who Knew Him offers a powerful and urgent exploration of the moral decay that comes with unchecked ambition. Its themes resonate deeply with the younger generation, encouraging reflection on the world they are inheriting and the lessons that can be learned from Shakespeare's tragedy.
UpStage at the Playhouse
UpStage at the Playhouse is an exciting initiative developed by the Civic Theatre for the City of Newcastle. The program connects with the vibrancy and talent of our local theatre community by co-presenting and supporting works that showcase the creativity and innovation of the Newcastle region.
Now in its second year, the UpStage program brings local shows to local audiences, supporting the creative talent of our region and strengthening the connection between the theatre, our community, and the arts industry. The annual program is showcased in the Civic Theatre's intimate and atmospheric 179-seat venue, the Playhouse.
"We are delighted to present The Prophetic Tragedy of Macbeth and Those Who Knew Him as part of our 2025 program," said Civic Theatre manager Leonie Wallace. "This is an exciting time for UpStage as we continue to bring fresh, new, and adapted works to our audiences, celebrating the creativity and vision of local artists."
Cast List:
- Mitchell Cox - MACBETH
- Marigold Pazar - LADY MACBETH, SEYTON
- Belinda Ditchfield - BANQUO
- Evie Laurence - MALCOLM
- Linden Allen - MACDUFF
- Rachel Enright - DUNCAN, LADY MACDUFF
- Sharna Harris - LENNOX, FIRST MURDERER
- Denni Mannile - ROSS, SECOND MURDERER
- Jade Laurie - DONALBAIN, FLEANCE
- Natesha Ham - SERVANT, DOCTOR, PORTER, MESSENGER, SERGEANT
Ticket Information
Dates: 20 - 29 March 2025
Venue: Playhouse, Civic Theatre
Tickets: $30- $49
Opening Night Discount: Save $5 per ticket, with a post-show Q&A with the playwright.
For tickets and more information, visit UpStage at the Playhouse.
Images & Video Content:
For interviews contact:
Lyn Thurnham, Thurnham Teece
lthurnham@thurnhamteece.com.au 0418 490 989
About All's One Theatre
All's One Theatre is committed to reinterpreting classic stories for modern audiences, providing fresh perspectives on timeless works. Based in Newcastle, All's One focuses on producing bold and thought-provoking adaptations of classic playwrights, with a focus on Shakespeare and other iconic voices. Through these works, the company explores themes that resonate deeply with contemporary society.
About Pippa Thoroughgood
Pippa Thoroughgood is an award-winning playwright, director, and adapter. As the director and adaptor of The Prophetic Tragedy of Macbeth and Those Who Knew Him, Pippa brings her distinct artistic vision to this reimagining of Shakespeare's classic. With a passion for adaptation and reinterpreting classic texts, she has worked on a wide range of plays and has a particular interest in how the past speaks to the present.
About Aimee Cavanagh
Co-producer Aimee Cavanagh has worked with some of the world's leading arts companies, including Bazmark Inq., Global Creatures, and the Perth International Arts Festival. As a director and actor, Aimee brings a wealth of experience to this production, with recent roles in All My Sons and The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-In-The-Moon Marigolds.
Warning: This production is recommended for ages 15+ and contains references to violence, mental health, sexual references, and explicit language. Running time is 90 minutes, with no interval.
Media Contacts
General manager
