Is this Queabeyan or the Scottish Highlands? Nature and theatre collide with the Q’s Macbeth
Posted on
Something wicked this way comes this summer…and it’s the chance to see Shakespeare’s shortest, sharpest, and bloodiest play like never before.
Following on from the success of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in December, Echo Theatre returns with a second offering of outdoor Shakespeare in 2025.
Turning her attention from comedy to tragedy, director and artistic director of the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre (The Q), Jordan Best has decided to bring Macbeth to life in the great outdoors.
Serious question though: does that mean you can utter the name aloud before the show without fear of bad luck?
A co-production with Lakespeare and coming to a picnic rug near you, the Scottish play will be running from Wednesday 12 until Sunday 16 February, so you can sit back and relax under the stars as the infamous witches weave their dark prophecies and Macbeth rises to power amidst a whirlwind of murder, secrets, and the occult.
Featuring a dynamic cast of the region’s finest actors – including Isaac Reilly as Macbeth, and Lainie Hart as Lady Macbeth – as well as maybe a few audience members, Jordan says she sees Macbeth as a fantastic opportunity to broaden the scope of what outdoor Shakespeare can be.
“While there is a bit of murder and blood,” she says.
“Macbeth is perfect fodder for an outdoor family show. It’s adventurous, short, and action-packed. Not all that different from Batman.”
Transforming Aunty Louise Brown Park, Patrick White Lawns, ACT Hub in Kingston, Haig Park, Tuggeranong, Lake George Winery into the eerie beauty of the Scottish Highlands, the performances will include free outdoor park shows, ticketed indoor shows, and a boutique dining and theatre experience.
Tickets will also once again be operating under The Q’s Pay What You Feel model, offering attendees the choice to book their tickets without up-front payment, before deciding on a contribution they deem appropriate after seeing the show.
And don’t worry if it rains, as Macbeth says himself “A little water clears us of this deed.”
Kidding.
If wet weather is forecast, they’ll move the performance into The B theatre, so you won’t miss out.
Gather your friends, pack a picnic (so you won’t be yelling “Out, damned spot!” when trying to wash your jeans later that night), and strap in for a night of greed, ambition, and deception as one couple’s ruthless thirst for power turns nature upside down.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Macbeth
Where: Aunty Louise Brown Park, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre.
When: Wednesday 12 until Sunday 16 February
Tickets + more information: theq.net.au
Photgraphy: Photox – Canberra Photography Services.
