Bell Shakespeare has 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 2026.
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 (Miss Saigon, FANGIRLS) in the titular role of Mackenzie and celebrated comedian Nikki Britton (How to Stay Married, Deadloch) 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).
“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, and it felt like the perfect lens through which to reimagine Macbeth,” said Yve Blake.
“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!” added Blake.
“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,” said director Virginia Gay.
“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,” said Bell Shakespeare Artistic Director Peter Evans.
“Mackenzie is funny, disturbing and full of pathos, and 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 ushering Yve’s play to stage. “
“While its 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,” said Evans.
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 will be presented at The Neilson Nutshell, Sydney, from 6 June – 18 July, before playing in the Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne from 23 July – 9 August 2026. For more information, visit: www.bellshakespeare.com.au for details.
Image: Kimberley Hodgson as Mackenzie – courtesy of Bell Shakespeare