Shakespeare in a Suitcase – Macbeth

“[An] imaginative and brilliant way to introduce young people to Shakespeare”

On tour now

"It was phenomenal! It was so inventively staged and performed. A complex story was made accessible and gripping for the children."

— Deputy Head Teacher

Macbeth in a Suitcase is back out on the road again for Autumn 2024

Armed with just a suitcase, NIE’s ensemble of actor/musicians tell this big, famous (and gruesome!) story in a funny and accessible way.

With some help from the audience, the cast bring the story to life, unpacking an old tale with new meaning. What happens when Macbeth is tempted by power and riches? Should he go after what he truly desires?

A combination of Shakespearean verse and contemporary language (and the occasional recap!) makes the original story clear and easy to follow.

Punctuated effortlessly by an original soundtrack, live music and sound effects, the cast will create comedy, tragedy, fast action, and terrifying power.

With minimal set (but plenty of atmosphere!) the show can introduce Shakespeare to first timers and reveal contemporary themes in a play that many know well.

Oh, and we should warn you…there’s lots of death.

We have had a fantastic start to our Autumn 2024 tour – read the reviews here.

And the we have been nominated for three Offie Awards! Writing, Performance and Music/Sound in the Theatre for Young Audience (TYA) categories.

Running time: 60 minutes + Audience Q&A

Performed in English

Warnings – Themes of death, depiction of murder and violence throughout. Including use of fake blood and haze

This is the second show in our strand of flexible touring work: Shakespeare in a Suitcase, which started with Hamlet in 2019.

If you are school, theatre, venue, library or festival, and are interested in booking us to perform with you – drop us an email

Watch the full-length trailer

Suitable for ages 8+ Themes and discussion of death throughout, fighting, haze.

Produced by NIE

A Black male Actor and a white femal actor portal Mabeth and Lady Macbeth, with blood on their hands

Press

“Amazing show! Never seen Macbeth like that – even my 5yr old loved it. Brilliantly done, engaging, got the kids involved & was funny. Loved it.” – Audience Member

“I loved it! You had me Spellbound all the way! Not only for kids” – Sonia

“An infectious musical score” – Audience Member

“It was really funny…It really helped me because I am doing Macbeth for GCSE’s”– Audience Member

“That was an absolutely fantastic production of Macbeth. I think it’s probably the best one I’ve ever seen, would you believe! It was so funny, but it was also so dark and so terrifying about ambition, and about loss and grief, and death, as they kept saying.” – Audience Member

“Very inventive. Perfect storytelling for all” – Erika & Phoebe, Audience Member

“Best children’s play I have seen” – Rebecca, Audience Member