New pop musical retelling Macbeth to receive world premiere

A new musical, which reimagines Macbeth, will make its world premiere early next year.

Written by Nick Butcher, Kerri Watt and Fraser Watt, Weird tells Shakespeare’s dramatic tale of the Scottish king through the eyes of three witches, with a soundtrack of new pop anthems.

The new British musical will play at Newcastle Theatre Royal from 28 to 31 January 2026.

More than 5,000 schoolchildren from across the North East will have the opportunity to be the first to see the piece, thanks to a collaboration between producer Michael Harrison and Newcastle Theatre Royal. The first five weekday performances will allow schoolchildren to attend free of charge.

Harrison said: “When I first read Weird and listened to the incredible soundtrack, I knew I wanted the biggest audience possible to see it. I’m well aware there are thousands of school kids who study Macbeth, the source material of this brilliant new musical. It’s fair to say some of us don’t understand Shakespeare – Weird will change that.”

Deciding to try out the new musical at Newcastle Theatre Royal, it felt “absolutely right” to provide the initiative for school children, as it is the theatre Harrison “grew up in”.

Further creative team and cast are to be announced.