Alice Topp’s contemporary ballet reimagining of Macbeth at His Majesty’s Theatre
Consensus Summary
Alice Topp’s contemporary ballet reimagining of Macbeth premiered in Wellington in February and opened in Perth on September 4. The production updates Shakespeare’s tragedy to a modern political setting, with witches transformed into social media influencers and the battlefield replaced by a boardroom. Both sources agree the score by Christopher Gordon blends heavy metal, classical, and electronic elements, featuring 126 musicians from around the world. The ballet’s Australian premiere at His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth has received critical acclaim, with TheWest awarding it 4.5 stars. However, the sources differ on the production’s end date—TheWest states it runs until September 19, while ABC says it ends on September 14. The production also includes a live string octet from WA Symphony Orchestra layered with recorded music, and the set design and costumes reflect a modern, political aesthetic.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Choreographer Alice Topp’s Macbeth ballet premiered in Wellington in February
- The production features a score by Christopher Gordon with 126 musicians from around the world
- The ballet’s Australian premiere is at His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth
- The witches in the ballet are reimagined as social media influencers ('witchfluencers')
- The production updates Macbeth’s setting to a modern political landscape with politicians and boardrooms
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The ballet received 4.5 stars in the review
- The production runs until September 19
- The live score includes a string octet from WA Symphony Orchestra layered with recorded elements
- The set design features rotating aluminium panels with heraldic designs and red drapery
- Costumes include 'suave suits and fashion-forward party wear'
- The production includes heavy metal, big band, funk, progressive rock, and EDM in the score
- The ballet’s world premiere was in Wellington in February, with the Australian premiere on September 4
- The witches were initially considered reporters before becoming influencers
- The production uses eight live musicians from WA Symphony Orchestra with pre-recorded elements
- Alice Topp is Bendigo-born and started dancing at age four
- The ballet’s score combines classical composition with heavy metal and electric guitar
- The production aims to attract audiences unfamiliar with ballet or Shakespeare
- The production runs until September 14
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- TheWest says the ballet runs until September 19, but ABC says it runs until September 14
- TheWest mentions the ballet premiered in February 2025, but ABC does not specify a year for the Wellington premiere
- TheWest states the production includes 126 musicians from around the world, while ABC mentions eight live musicians plus pre-recorded elements without specifying the total number
Source Articles
REVIEW: WA Ballet performs Australian premiere of Alice Topp’s reimagined Macbeth at His Majesty’s Theatre
WA Ballet’s Macbeth is an arresting and darkly dynamic delve into Shakespeare’s timeless tale, taking the crown to theatrically bewitch new audiences and longtime ballet lovers alike.
Heavy metal but no tutus in new Macbeth ballet production
Making a ballet out of Shakespeare's 400-year-old play Macbeth gave choreographer Alice Topp the chance to create something entirely new.
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