Gordonstoun reinterprets Macbeth sixty years afer King Charles leading role
Pupils from King Charles’ former school will stage an innovative performance of Macbeth at the Fringe, 61 years after its most famous pupil joined the school and went on to play the lead role.
Article Source: Gordonstoun
Last Updated: 25 July 2023 12:12
KING'S OLD SCHOOL REINTERPRETS MACBETH SIXTY YEARS AFTER HIS MAJESTY’S LEADING ROLE
Event goers at the world's largest performance arts festival will be treated to a theatre rock adaptation of one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays, showing from August 5-12 in the heart of Edinburgh. Crafted by Gordonstoun's Dance and Drama department, the piece presents a high-energy performance, integrating acting, movement and song, bringing this story to the stage as it’s never been seen before.
In an unconventional collision of genres, the play amalgamates Shakespeare's prose with Biffy Clyro’s lyrics and music, taking the audience on an energetic exploration of power, scrutinising how it might lead to downfall. Tracks include top hits ‘Mountains’ and ‘Many of Horror’, and the Scottish Rock band was chosen for this contemporary pairing as the songs touch upon many of the same topics explored throughout the play.
18 year old student Angus Brown, who plays Macbeth and plans to study film and acting at university, said:
“Macbeth was my first real introduction to Shakespeare and, from an acting perspective, I have absolutely fallen in love with the language and style of his writing. Paired with the music of Biffy Clyro, this version of Macbeth is definitely a unique experience. To all that come to watch, I hope you enjoy the show!”
18 year old Theo MacGregor, who plays Lady Macbeth, said:
“It's been the most incredible experience to do our version of Macbeth! The process of combining the 400-year-old show with modern rock music has been a lot of fun and really ramps the show up. We have the most amazing team and teachers! I'm so excited to go to the Fringe with them, even if it is totally nerve-racking.
“It’s been fascinating playing the part of Lady Macbeth and I’ve been able to find my own style of acting throughout the process. She is pushed to insanity by personal grief and pain, more than merely being a horrible person, but she certainly is manipulative.”
Both Theo and Angus have been heavily involved in the dance and drama departments throughout their time at Gordonstoun, initially sharing the role of ‘Puck’ in ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream’ three years ago.
King Charles joined Gordonstoun in 1962 and went on to play Macbeth in the school production in 1966.
Commenting, Principal of Gordonstoun Lisa Kerr said:
“This is a production cloaked in passion and energy. The rock musical production of Macbeth is worlds apart from the one His Majesty will remember. Our drama department has reinterpreted the famous play using some of Biffy Clyro’s best known songs and combined them with Shakespeare’s prose. Performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is such an exciting opportunity for the students, and the audience will bear witness to Macbeth as they have never seen it before.”
A total of 15 students from Gordonstoun, aged from 16-18, will take part in the performance. The last time Gordonstoun staged a theatre production at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival was in 2014. The performance will be shown at Paradise in Augustines, George IV Bridge, and tickets are available to purchase here.
The production was first staged at the school last year (2022). Comments from audience members included:
“Macbeth like I’d never imagined it – dynamic, raw, urgent and the music just works! I wish Shakespeare could see it! I think he’d smile.”
“What an absolutely outstanding production of Macbeth by the Senior School students of Gordonstoun. This modern upbeat rock musical production performed to the highest calibre will have you on the edge of your seats from start to finish. Shakespeare’s words combined with words and lyrics from Biffy Clyro. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. A production not to be missed!”
More info and tickets: HERE
Image: Angus Brown (Macbeth) and Theo MacGregor (Lady Macbeth)
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Garner Hotels Debuts in Scotland with the Opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh in Haymarket
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today announces the opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh - Haymarket, a 195-room flagship hotel bringing a fresh energy to the city’s West End.
READ MORE
Edinburgh pupils discover the world of beekeeping with educational day at Fort Kinnaird
Pupils from local Edinburgh primary schools swapped the classroom for beekeeping as they had the chance to visit Fort Kinnaird’s thriving beehives for a day buzzing with educational fun.
READ MORE
Magic of Christmas set to make Edinburgh sparkle this Winter
Edinburgh started to unwrap its annual Christmas present, with the announcement of this year’s festive celebration dates and a first hint of what to expect this year.
READ MORE
Nicola Benedetti brings the Edinburgh International Festival to NHS Hospital with Live Performance
Edinburgh International Festival Director and Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti performed alongside guitarist Plínio Fernandes as part of a series of NHS Festival Sessions.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long
Cineworld has today announced £1 Family Films, running every week from July 25, so that families can be more childish together all summer long.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland
Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
How funkiest charity shop in Edinburgh is helping homeless
The Bothy Boutique in central Edinburgh is the retail arm of The Breakfast Bothy, a small grassroots charity supporting people in the community who are experiencing homelessness.
READ MORE
Five star campsite near Edinburgh named best in Scotland
Drummohr Camping and Glamping Site at Musselburgh was named Camping Site of the Year in the 2025 Scottish Hospitality Awards.
READ MORE
Fringe Happening at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
With the Fringe Festival right on the doorstep, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is once again hosting a fantastic array of shows and activities!
READ MORE
Newtongrange Primary School ends academic year on a high with prestigious UNICEF UK Gold Award
Pupils at Newtongrange Primary School have even more reason to celebrate the end of a successful academic year, having just been awarded the UNICEF UK Gold Award.
READ MORE
First Look inside newly refurbished Filmhouse cinema
Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse has today revealed images of its new screens and spaces ahead of its public reopening tomorrow Friday 27 June.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Widest ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings in 50 years to be staged in Edinburgh
Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian will be among 45 Italian Renaissance drawings going on display in Scotland for the first time this October.
READ MORE
Inspiring climate action through the Edinburgh Climate Festival
Edinburgh Climate Festival returns on 28th June. A free festival that aims to celebrate & inspirate climate action in our local communities.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
Pret gets ready for Pride with free glow up and goodies
This weekend, in celebration of Edinburgh Pride, Pret A Manger is turning up the sparkle with an in-shop glow-up station!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Fist Look: Inside new Cafe Calton which offers stunning Panoramic views of Edinburgh
Cafe Calton, located at the top of Calton Hill and offering panoramic views of Edinburgh, has opened in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Casting announced for the new production of Miss Saigon at Edinburgh Playhouse
Michael Harrison, in association with Cameron Mackintosh, is delighted to announce the full casting for a major UK and Ireland tour of MISS SAIGON, including a run at Edinburgh Playhouse.
READ MORE
Scottish Legend Dougie MacLean to Lead Opening Weekend Big Singalong at the Edinburgh International Festival
A lineup of world-class musicians at the forefront of their fields are today added to the Edinburgh International Festival programme.
READ MORE
East Lothian community revives woodland ecosystem with help from Loganair GreenSkies fund
A community-owned woodland in East Lothian is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to a grassroots replanting project supported by Loganair’s GreenSkies Community Fund.
READ MORE
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Celebrates Pride Week in Support of LGBT Health and Wellbeing
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is proud to announce its vibrant celebration of Edinburgh Pride, honouring the city's LGBTQIA+ community.
READ MORE
Free Surf Lessons for Kids at Lost Shore Surf Resort this July
Lost Shore Surf Resort, Scotland’s most exciting new holiday destination, is making waves for families this summer - with free surf lessons and sessions for kids throughout July.
READ MORE
EIFF to present World Premiere of NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab Short Films
Edinburgh International Film Festival has announced that the six short films created as part of the inaugural NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab will have their World Premieres this year.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Casting Announced for FRIENDS! The Musical Parody coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow
Today, the producers of the 2025/26 UK and Ireland tour of FRIENDS! The Musical Parody are delighted to announce casting for the side-splitting musical comedy.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Houstoun House recognised as one of the top hotels in UK by Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards
Houstoun House in West Lothian has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards 2025 following consistently high ratings from guests.
READ MORE
Paint the town pink this summer
Edinburgh’s first ‘Rosé Wine Trail’ has been launched across the capital this week as part of a summer-long campaign to celebrate the popular pink tipple.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links