Bell Shakespeare today announced the cast for the upcoming world premiere of Mackenzie, a new play by visionary creator Yve Blake, including five original songs. The production will open in Sydney at The Neilson Nutshell from 6 June – 18 July, before touring to Arts Centre Melbourne from 23 July – 9 August.
A dark, camp and satirical reimagining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Mackenzie twists the classic tale to explore if Macbeth was a 13-year-old child star in the heights of early 2000s TV stardom and Lady Macbeth was her ruthlessly ambitious stage mum.
Directed by actor and former Artistic Director at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival Virginia Gay, the production will star Kimberley Hodgson (SIX, Miss Saigon, FANGIRLS) in the titular role of Mackenzie. Celebrated comedian Nikki Britton (How to Stay Married, Deadloch) will star as her mother Ruth.
They are joined onstage by Ryan Gonzalez (In the Heights, Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Billie Palin (Once, Calamity Jane), Anusha Thomas (Hamilton) and Jane Watt (War Crimes).
Genevieve Goldman and Tom Rodgers join the cast in understudy roles.
Creator Yve Blake said:
“The idea for ‘Mackenzie’ came to me like a fever dream — like Macbeth’s witches turning up. I’d always been gripped with fascination about the dark sides of child stardom. It felt like the perfect lens through which to reimagine Macbeth.
I wanted to maintain all the juiciest moments of the original because it’s such a timeless BANGER of play. But I also wanted to make it fun and CAMP and super accessible, especially for young audiences.
I’m so excited to have this perfect cast bringing this story to life. I wrote the script so that whether you’re 12, 22 or 72 – there’s something in this show for you to love!”
Director Virginia Gay said:
“What’s so genius about Yve’s writing is that she knows exactly how to honour Shakespeare’s original play while making it feel joyful, pop-soaked and completely approachable.
By leaning into camp, a very specific 2006 energy and Yve’s razor-sharp wit, we get all the big moments of Macbeth, but with a completely fresh feel played by an incredible ensemble of performers.”
Bell Shakespeare Artistic Director Peter Evans said:
“Our commitment at Bell Shakespeare to make Shakespeare accessible to all Australians continues with Yve’s exciting new take on Macbeth, which will bring a new generation of audiences into the theatre. Mackenzie is funny, disturbing and full of pathos. It proves that Shakespeare’s plays are endlessly adaptable, thrilling, and very much alive.
I am delighted to have Virginia Gay take the helm as director, bringing all her comedy and drama skills to usher Yve’s play to stage. While it’s sure to be a hit with younger audiences, I suspect if you are like me, any age will delight in this mischievous, shocking and hilarious new play.”
The creative team is made up of Keerthi Subramanyam as Designer, Kelsey Lee as Lighting Designer, Tom Lowndes of Hot Dub Time Machine as Sound Designer in his first foray into theatre, and Ella Evangelista as Choreographer.
Mackenzie is presented by Bell Shakespeare and runs 6 June – 18 July 2026 at The Nielsen Nutshell. Pier 2/3 Sydney NSW 2000.
It then runs at Arts Centre Melbourne from 23 July – 9 August.
Tickets for Sydney are here.
Tickets for Melbourne are here.
Website: https://www.bellshakespeare.com.au/mackenzie
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/bellshakespeare/
Hero image: Kimberley Hodgson and Anusha Thomas, image supplied.
