THEATRE: Macbeth - Shake & Stir Theatre Co

Title: Macbeth

Presented By: Shake & Stir Theatre Co

Genre: Contemporary Theatre / Shakespearean Tragedy

Synopsis: In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Shake & Stir Theatre Co presents a bold new reimagining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Reborn into a ruthless world of rolling news, political theatre and weaponised ambition, this large-scale contemporary adaptation follows a rising war hero who becomes the media’s latest obsession. Driven by ambition and manipulated by a partner as polished as she is dangerous, Macbeth transforms the 24-hour news cycle into his personal battleground.

Remaining faithful to Shakespeare’s original text while recontextualising the story for a modern audience, this production explores power, perception, loyalty and corruption in an age of clickbait and catastrophe.

Performance Dates: June 6th - 21st, 2026

Performance Times:

• Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays - 7PM

• Wednesdays - 11AM & 7PM

• Saturdays - 2PM & 7PM

• Sundays - 1PM

Performance Location and Address: Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Cnr Grey Street and Melbourne Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101

Ticket Costs: $79 – $119

Ticket Link: Buy Tickets - Macbeth

Warnings: This production contains:

• Mature adult themes

• Supernatural themes

• Violence

• Depictions of torture

• Murder, including references involving children

• Self-harm

• Suicide

• Sudden loud noises

• Strobe lighting

• Haze and smoke effects

Duration:Approximately 2 hours, including interval.

Cast:

• Johnny Balbuziente

• Will Carseldine

• Eddie Cane

• Elias Ford-Murphy

• Nelle Lee

• Jodie Le Vesconte

• Pacharo Mzembe

• Rachel Nutchey

• Jeremiah Wray

Creative Team:

• Writer - William Shakespeare

• Director - Nick Skubij

• Creative Producer - Ross Balbuziente

• Associate Director - Francesca Savige

• Designer - Josh McIntosh

• Lighting Designer - Jason Glenwright

• Sound Designer - Guy Webster

• Video Designers - Nevin Howell and Jeremy Gordon

• Fight and Intimacy Director - Nigel Poulton

Production Website: Shake & Stir Theatre Co - Macbeth

Other Information:

• This production marks Shake & Stir Theatre Co’s first major mainstage adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and forms part of the company’s 20th anniversary season. The creative team behind acclaimed productions including 1984, A Christmas Carol, Frankenstein and Jane Eyre brings Shakespeare’s tragedy into a contemporary media landscape dominated by political spectacle, public image and relentless news cycles.

• Shake & Stir has built a strong reputation for contemporary Shakespeare adaptations and immersive theatrical storytelling. Audience discussions around the company’s previous Shakespeare productions frequently highlight their accessibility for younger audiences, inventive modern settings and strong visual storytelling.

• QPAC is a fully accessible venue offering wheelchair access, accessible seating, hearing assistance services, accessible amenities and Companion Card support. Patrons requiring accessibility assistance or specific seating arrangements are encouraged to contact QPAC prior to attending.