The Australian Shakespeare Company is set to stage Macbeth in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, transforming the genteel Southern Cross Lawn into the windswept Scottish Highlands from late January through February next year.
The Australian Shakespeare Company is bringing Scotland’s bloodiest tale back to the Royal Botanic Gardens, with Macbeth set to unfold under Melbourne’s summer sky from January to February 2025.
The production, helmed by Glenn Elston OAM, will see Melbourne favourite Hugh Sexton (fresh from his Pop-up Globe success) don the cursed crown, with acclaimed performer Nicole Nabout taking on the ruthlessly ambitious Lady Macbeth.
Macbeth – The Australian Shakespeare Company
- Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Southern Cross Lawn (enter through Observatory Gate on Birdwood Avenue)
- Dates: 31 January to 28 February 2025
- Times: 7.30pm
- Tickets: $35-$115 (General Admission and A Reserve Packages Available)
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The Royal Botanic Gardens are turning into an enchanting outdoor Shakespearean stage
It’s a setting that Elston, the company’s artistic director, believes perfectly suits the play’s supernatural elements. “The natural beauty and open-air setting heighten both the tension and drama of the story,” he says. “It’s an unforgettable way to experience Shakespeare under the stars.”
The stellar local cast includes Dion Mills as Duncan and Anna Burgess as Malcolm, with Johnny Light taking on the pivotal role of Banquo. The three witches – whose prophecies spark Macbeth’s murderous ascent – will be played by Madeleine Somers, Elizabeth Brennan, and Henny Walters.
At roughly two hours, Macbeth is Shakespeare’s most concentrated tragedy, making it ideal for outdoor theatre. Its themes of political ambition and moral corruption remain startlingly relevant, while the infamous “Scottish play” curse adds an extra layer of theatrical superstition to the garden setting.
The production continues Melbourne’s beloved tradition of outdoor summer theatre, with audiences encouraged to arrive early, picnic on the lawn, and watch the sunset before the performance begins at 7.30pm.
Tickets range from $35 to $115, with both general admission and A Reserve packages available through shakespeareaustralia.com.au or Ticketmaster. The venue is accessible via Observatory Gate on Birdwood Avenue, with the season running from 31 January to 28 February 2025.
For Melburnians seeking their annual dose of Shakespeare under the stars, this production promises to bring fresh energy to the bard’s darkest tragedy, complete with murder, madness and perhaps a few possums in the cheaper seats.
On sale via shakespeareaustralia.com.au.
