Cast announced for world premiere production at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Weird, an electrifying pop-powered musical reimagining Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Macbeth, today announces its cast, ahead of making its World Premiere at Newcastle Theatre Royal later this month.

The show, a brand new British musical, will have a limited run from Wed 28 – Sat 31 Jan 2026.

Written by Nick Butcher, Kerri Watt and Fraser Watt, Weird will combine witchcraft, mischief and mayhem, with a soundtrack of newly created pop anthems, telling the dramatic tale of the Scottish king through the eyes of three witches.

Playing the roles of the three witches will be Gabriela Benedetti (Evita; Hamilton) as Phoenix, Hope Dawe (Burlesque the Musical; Grease (UK & Ireland Tour)) as Luna and Kingsley Morton (Heathers the Musical; The Addams Family) as Angelique.

They will be joined by Scarlet Bilham (Morning; A Son of Rambo) as Lady Macbeth, Elliott Evans (Back to the Future) as Banquo, Andrew Patrick-Walker (Bat Out of Hell; HAIR) as King Duncan and Macduff and Dean John Wilson (The King & I; Sister Act the Musical; Aladdin) as Macbeth.

The show will be directed by West End and Broadway director, Tim Jackson (Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York); The Parent Agency; The Least Problematic Woman In The World), with choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento (42 Balloons; Starter for Ten).

Director Tim Jackson commented on the cast: “This cast and team are dynamite. Fearless, funny and fiercely talented. The rehearsal room is buzzing, with everyone cooking on gas, and revelling in this thrilling new writing. I can’t wait for audiences to share in the magic of these brilliant artists as they raise the roof of the Newcastle Theatre Royal.”

Completing the creative team is Set Designer Andrew Exeter (The Creakers; Oscar at the Crown); Costume Designer Gabriella Slade (Starlight Express – Olivier Award winner; SIX – Tony Award winner); Lighting Designer Howard Hudson (Starlight Express; Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 – Olivier Award nominations 2025); Sound Designer Paul Gatehouse (Mary Poppins; SIX); and Orchestrator, Musical Supervisor and Co-Arranger Joe Beighton (Six the Musical; 42 Balloons).

Nick Butcher, and siblings Kerri Watt & Fraser Watt, are award-winning songwriters and chart-topping artists at the heart of modern musical storytelling. Their work spans music, theatre, and film, garnering 20+ million streams with their ability to write, record and produce their work to create a unique theatrical pop sound, breathing new life into what theatrical storytelling can be.

It is also announced today that there are further opportunities for North East audiences to see this brand new musical on their doorstep, with a limited number of additional seats for the performances on Wed 28 Jan (6.30pm) and Fri 30 Jan (1.30pm) now on sale.

As part of the run in Newcastle, more than 5,000 schoolchildren from across the North East will have the opportunity to be the first in the world to see the brand new musical, thanks to a collaboration between producer Michael Harrison and Newcastle Theatre Royal.

As part of an initiative to provide more pathways for young people to be able to access live theatre, Michael and the theatre have joined forces to pledge that the first five weekday performances will completely waive ticket prices for schoolchildren from across the region to be able to attend free of charge.

Michael Harrison is widely considered as one of the industry’s leading theatre producers. Last year, in association with Cameron Mackintosh, he opened Miss Saigon – a new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical – with a three-week run at Newcastle Theatre Royal, before the epic production embarked on a major UK tour.

Michael’s other theatre productions include last year’s acclaimed, sold-out production of Evita at the London Palladium, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Sunset Boulevard, The Wizard of Oz; Hello, Dolly!; Titanique and Starlight Express.

Michael has a long association with the iconic Grey Street venue and has chosen his hometown theatre for the world premiere of Weird.

Weird plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal Wed 28 – Sat 31 Jan 2026. Tickets can be booked here or by calling the Box Office on 091 232 7010.