Lakespeare is back for 2025. Last summer it was Henry V, this summer another king – not so heroic – takes the stage. Photo: Facebook.
The national capital’s annual free serving of Shakespeare will be a change of pace for cast and audience. But Canberra’s many political junkies will no doubt relish a play steeped in ambition – and blood.
Shakespeare by the Lakes, Lakespeare, takes on Macbeth this February in perhaps The Bard’s darkest play but also one that director Jordan Best says is a very accessible and exciting story.
“The kind of adventure of Macbeth is perfect for an outdoor family show,” she says.
“I mean, there’s a bit of murder in it but, you know, no more than Batman.”
Best, artistic director at the Q Theatre across the border where some of the performances will be staged, says the Scottish play will pave the way for broader Shakespearean scope.
She says just opting for comedies is limiting, although last February’s Henry V can hardly be placed in that category. But there were still quite a few laughs. There’s not much to joke about in Macbeth.
“I do think doing Macbeth opens up a world of other plays for them to look at doing once people are on board with the idea that it doesn’t have to be a comedy,” Best says.
“There are a lot of exciting plays suddenly on the table.”
For Best, the story is the thing. So don’t expect too much messing around with the plot or modernising the text.
She just wants to do Macbeth, focussing on the storytelling, developing the characters and ensuring the audience can follow the action without having to understand every line.
“My take on Macbeth is Macbeth,” Best says.
“Something that’s very important to me as a director is to make sure that as beautiful as the language is and as important as it is for the actors to have a really good grasp on the language, the story and the character are more important.”
Director Jordan Best says she has assembled an exceptional cast for her production of Macbeth. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Her Macbeth is a “slightly spineless bloodthirsty villain in the best possible way” while Lady Macbeth is the strong decisive woman behind the scenes who creates a monster but comes to regret it.
And this story about the awful consequences of unrestrained ambition has never been more relevant and something Canberrans, who have observed their fair share of political manoeuvring and duplicity, should appreciate.
“Especially at the moment, our political climate all over the world seems to be so full of backstabbing and there always seems to be plots going on,” Best says.
She will direct an “exceptional” cast of 11, with all but three playing multiple roles. They include Lainie Hart, Isaac Riley and Max Gambale.
“It’s very much going to be an ensemble piece,” Best says.
“Nobody’s going to get a lot of time to sit around and relax because of the amount of doubling we have going on. That’s where those signifiers become really important to get.
“You know, what hat is the actor wearing so it’s very clear which character they are playing at any given time.”
Lakespeare is partnering with The Q; productions will be in four formats in Canberra and Queanbeyan.
There will be free outdoor park shows, ‘pay what you feel’ shows at the new outdoor venue of Aunty Louise Brown Park adjacent to The Q, ticketed indoor shows at the ACT Hub and an intimate dining and theatre experience in the picturesque setting of Lake George Winery.
The 2025 show dates are:
- 12-16 February: Shakespeare at the Q – Queanbeyan (pay what you feel)
- 21 February: FREE Shakespeare by the Lakes VI – Tuggeranong Town Park
- 22 February: FREE Shakespeare by the Lakes VI – Patrick White Lawns
- 23 February: FREE Shakespeare by the Lakes VI – Patrick White Lawns
- 27 February: Shakespeare @ the Hub – Kingston – ticketed show
- 28 February: Shakespeare @ the Hub – Kingston – ticketed show
- 2 March: Shakespeare by the Vines – Lake George Winery (ticketed lunch/dinner and show)
Registration is requested for free shows.
To learn more, buy tickets and register visit the Lakespeare website.
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