Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025

Musicals At The Fringe – INTERVIEW – Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence

It is festival season and that means that in the next month there is so many great comedy festivals to look forward to! This month we are looking at some of the great shows that you can see at the Edinburgh Fringe. So take note because we are going to give you all the information you need for just a handful of some of the great shows happening this year!


Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence

Credit: Nick Robertson

Location: Assembly George Square Studios – Studio One (Venue 17)

Dates:  Jul 30th -5th, 7th-12th, 14th-19th, 21st-25th

Time: 16:15

Price: £15 Concessions £14

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/lady-macbeth-played-wing-defence


Hello! Tell us about yourself?



Hi! I’m Courtney McManus—a performer, playwright, and co-director of Crash Theatre Company, based in Boorloo (Perth, Western Australia). I’m one half of CRASH, alongside Ana Ferreira Manhoso, and we’ve been making chaotic, heartfelt feminist theatre for over a decade together. I love stories that blend humour and heartbreak, and I’m obsessed with the intensity of teen girl energy and the power of women in sport.

Tell us all about your show!


Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence is a glittery, gutsy high school netball musical inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth. It’s what happens when teenage ambition meets court drama—with bibs, blood, and betrayal. Think Mean Girls meets The Scottish Play, with an all-female cast and a pumping original electropop score. It’s fast, funny, and surprisingly emotional.

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?



Honestly, there’s so much! I’m excited to see other Aussie artists—especially the shows in the House of Oz program. I’m also a sucker for experimental solo shows, bold feminist cabarets, and anything with movement and live music. Basically, I want it all.

If this is your first time – what are you looking forward to?


I’m looking forward to the buzz, I’ve heard so much about how busy and packed full of performers Edinburgh can be! And I’m so excited to connect with audiences from all over the world and share a show we’ve poured our whole hearts into.

Talk us through your daily routine for a day at the Fringe


It all starts with The Artist’s Way. I do my Morning Pages first thing, just to clear the chaos from my brain. Then it’s a truckload of vitamins, some light yoga to wake the body up, and a big breakfast. After that, it’s straight into the flyering trenches before hopefully catching a show or two. Then I get into full glam to transform into a very intense netball coach for Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?


Getting to showcase the incredible talent of our cast and crew on an international stage. This team has poured so much heart, humour, and hard work into the show, and it’s a joy to share that with new audiences every day. Hearing how people connect with the work, what made them laugh, cry, or burst into song, is honestly the most rewarding part.

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?


The exhaustion; mental, physical, and emotional. It’s thrilling, but it’s a lot. Holding space (cue Ariana and Cynthia) for yourself and your team is the real challenge especially because you’re in a very demanding and relentless environment.

Do you bring anything special from home to make it feel more special whilst you are away?


Yes! I will bring photos of my fiancé and family to remind me of the love and support back home. I also have special letters from my best friend Dylan that never fail to make me believe in myself when things get tough. And, of course, my comfort water bottle, it’s essential to stay hydrated!

What are your best hacks to save money whilst at the Fringe?

It’s all about being sensible with your money and budgeting ahead of time. I’ve had an Edinburgh savings account that I’ve been slowly putting money into in the lead-up to Fringe, so I’m not scrambling when I get there. I’ve also been smart with my spending before the festival starts, so when I’m in the thick of it, I don’t have to stress about every purchase. Planning ahead means more mental space for creativity and less worrying about finances while performing.

What would be your top three items every performer must take to the fringe?


Comfy shoes, a portable charger and a big reusable water bottle (hydration = sanity)

What’s the secret to successful flyering?


The key is to stand out and make your flyering reflect your show’s personality. Since Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence is all about netball, we’re getting sporty with how we flyer. Let’s just say, you might see us using some creative tactics on the streets! But I’m not going to reveal all the details… you’ll have to wait until you see us in Edinburgh to catch us in action!

If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?


Our Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok is  @crashtheatre.co – chuck us a follow for a bunch of raucous, cheeky theatre gals and pals doing what they love!

And finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?

Blood, bibs, betrayal…


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