Some critics have praised this show, others have been less generous – so it was time to find out the truth, in true Theatre Village style.
The action actually begins before the show officially starts. Picture a warm-up session: stretching, checking court markers, a few pre-match drills. It’s a playful way to ease the audience in.
Lady Macbeth herself is in the squad – there’s no huge fuss about her at first, but as the game (and story) progresses, her presence grows stronger. Well, the show is named after her after all.
In the first half, some of the vocals were on the weaker side – particularly when the “Dagger Divas” (the witches of Macbeth) first appeared. By their second entrance, though, the singing had sharpened up considerably.
Choreography was crisp and well executed, supported by a digital projector screen that enhanced the atmosphere rather than distracting from it. You’ll likely find yourself picking a favourite team member to cheer on – mine was the gloriously gloomy netball player who looked like she’d rather be anywhere else.
This troupe has travelled from Australia as part of House of Oz, and it’s a real treat to have them on stage at the Fringe. The pacing was spot on, lighting used effectively, and there were no missed cues or fluffed lines – this was a confident, well-drilled performance.
True to its roots, the show weaves Shakespeare’s Macbeth lines throughout, giving a dark comic edge to the high-energy netball setting.
The Fringe listing promises: “Set in the cut-throat world of competitive netball, this cautionary tale explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and the fierce determination of teenage girls… underpinned by an electropop soundtrack… presented by an all-female powerhouse team of West Australian artists.”
Did it deliver on that promise? Absolutely.
★★★★★ – Girl Power, you smashed it, team!
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