Leeds Playhouse Stages Interactive MakeBeth: Macbeth Retelling 2026

Key Points

• Leeds Playhouse announces MakeBeth, a brand-new interactive craft-a-long production retelling Shakespeare’s Macbeth, aimed at families and young audiences aged 7+.
• Play written by award-winning playwright Hannah Khalil and brought to life using recycled cardboard by designer Sam Wilde of Cardboard Adventures.
• Co-produced by Cardboard Adventures and Shakespeare’s Globe, in partnership with Chichester Festival Theatre and Leeds Playhouse.
• Directed by Ian Nicholson, featuring live music, puppetry, and hands-on crafting where audiences create props during the performance.
• Described as transforming Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy into a joyful, laugh-out-loud “cardBARD” adventure.
• Sam Wilde, Artistic Director of Cardboard Adventures and show designer, expressed excitement about collaborating with Khalil and Nicholson.
• Hannah Khalil emphasised the audience’s central role in crafting props, making the show interactive and dependent on participation.
• Shawab Iqbal, Leeds Playhouse Chief Executive, highlighted it as the 2026 Community Tour show, reaching community settings across Leeds.
• Michelle Terry, Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe, praised Cardboard Adventures’ playful approach to making Shakespeare accessible.
• Production focuses on laughter, creativity, and cardboard, offering families a fresh, imaginative way to engage with Shakespeare.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 25, 2026 – Leeds Playhouse has announced MakeBeth, a innovative interactive production reimagining Shakespeare’s Macbeth for families and young audiences aged 7 and above, created entirely with recycled cardboard by Sam Wilde. This craft-a-long show, penned by award-winning playwright Hannah Khalil, transforms the tragedy into a playful adventure filled with live music, puppetry, and hands-on creativity. Produced in collaboration with Cardboard Adventures, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Chichester Festival Theatre, it promises to bring classic theatre to new generations through imagination and participation.

The production emphasises accessibility, with audiences actively crafting props during the performance, making them integral to the storytelling. Directed by Ian Nicholson and designed by the multi-award-winning Sam Wilde, MakeBeth bursts with energy and interactivity. As reported in the original announcement covered by Northern Arts Review, this shared commitment among partners aims to make Shakespeare’s works fun and engaging for young people.

What is MakeBeth and Who Created It?

MakeBeth is a brand-new retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, specifically tailored for families and young audiences aged 7+. As detailed in the Leeds Playhouse announcement, it is written by award-winning playwright Hannah Khalil. The production is brought to life entirely with the “recycled cardboard magic” of Sam Wilde, Artistic Director of Cardboard Adventures and the show’s designer.

This exciting make-along production stems from a collaboration between Cardboard Adventures and Shakespeare’s Globe, in partnership with Chichester Festival Theatre and Leeds Playhouse. Directed by Ian Nicholson, it features live music, puppetry, and hands-on creativity, turning the dark tale into a “joyful, laugh-out-loud cardBARD adventure.” The focus on recycled materials underscores an eco-friendly approach, aligning with contemporary theatre’s emphasis on sustainability.

Why is the Audience So Central to MakeBeth?

Hannah Khalil, the writer, highlighted the unique interactivity of the show. As reported by Northern Arts Review in their coverage of the Leeds Playhouse announcement, Hannah Khalil said:

“I absolutely love writing plays for young people but this is going to be extremely special because we can’t do Makebeth without our audience… you lovely lot! You see, you are going to be crafting props during the performance and you’ll be absolutely central to it all, so you better come along, we need you! I can’t wait to see what you make with the help of our brilliant actors. Makebeth won’t be the same without you.”

This hands-on element ensures that families participate actively, fostering creativity and engagement. The production’s design invites children and parents to imagine and build together, redefining traditional theatre experiences. By making the audience co-creators, MakeBeth breaks down barriers between performers and viewers.

What Excites the Creative Team About This Production?

Sam Wilde, Artistic Director of Cardboard Adventures and show designer, shared his enthusiasm for the project. According to the Northern Arts Review article, Sam Wilde said:

“I’m really excited to be working with Hannah (Khalil) and Ian (Nicholson) again, its so refreshing to have a chance to be back in the room with world class creatives like them to play with one of the greatest plays the English language has to offer and prove what artists like that can do with a great story, a bit of imagination and a cardboard box!”

Director Ian Nicholson brings his expertise to helm this vibrant retelling, ensuring the puppetry and music enhance the cardboard-crafted world. The team’s prior collaborations suggest a proven synergy, promising a polished yet inventive show. Wilde’s cardboard expertise, honed through award-winning designs, guarantees visually striking and durable elements.

How Will MakeBeth Reach Leeds Communities?

Shawab Iqbal, Leeds Playhouse Chief Executive, outlined the production’s broader impact. As per the original announcement reported by Northern Arts Review, Shawab Iqbal said:

“We’re delighted that MakeBeth is coming to Leeds Playhouse and that it will be our 2026 Community Tour show, taking the magic of live theatre beyond the Playhouse to a range of community settings across our city. This inventive retelling – and reboxing – of a Shakespeare classic offers young audiences and families an exciting way to engage with one of theatre’s greatest stories. It is the perfect show to bring people together, sparking creativity and imagination across generations.”

The 2026 Community Tour extends the show’s reach beyond the main stage, visiting schools, community centres, and other venues in Leeds. This initiative aligns with Leeds Playhouse’s mission to democratise theatre, particularly for underserved areas. Iqbal’s vision emphasises intergenerational bonding through shared creativity.

What Do Partners Say About MakeBeth’s Approach?

Michelle Terry, Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe, endorsed the production’s innovative style. Northern Arts Review quoted Michelle Terry as saying:

“Cardboard Adventures is a company whose playful, accessible approach to theatre aligns beautifully with the Globe’s commitment to making Shakespeare’s work resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. MakeBeth promises to be a bold and imaginative reimagining of Macbeth—a production that will invite young people to engage with the play for the first time in an interactive and playful experience.”

Chichester Festival Theatre’s involvement further strengthens the partnership, bringing additional resources and expertise. Shakespeare’s Globe, renowned for its Shakespearean focus, sees MakeBeth as a vital tool for introducing classics to youth. This collaboration continues a tradition of adapting timeless stories for modern, diverse audiences.

When and Where Can Families Experience MakeBeth?

Leeds Playhouse serves as a key venue, with the Community Tour expanding access citywide in 2026. While specific performance dates for the main stage are not yet detailed in the announcement, the tour’s scope suggests multiple opportunities throughout the year. Families are encouraged to check Leeds Playhouse’s website for ticket releases and schedules.

The production’s portability, thanks to cardboard sets, facilitates community outreach. This flexibility ensures broad accessibility, from urban centres to outer boroughs. Advance booking is likely advisable given the interactive format’s limited capacity.

Why Does MakeBeth Matter for Young Audiences?

At its heart, MakeBeth offers laughter, creativity, and cardboard-driven fun, providing a fresh lens on Shakespeare. By contrast to traditional stagings, it sidesteps gore and ambition’s bleakness, focusing on imagination. This approach suits 7+ audiences, introducing complex themes through play.

Theatre experts note such adaptations boost literacy and empathy in children. Leeds Playhouse’s track record in family programming positions MakeBeth as a highlight. It exemplifies how cultural institutions evolve to remain relevant.

How Does This Fit into Leeds’ Cultural Scene?

Leeds boasts a vibrant arts landscape, with Playhouse consistently delivering inclusive shows. MakeBeth complements recent family offerings, enhancing the city’s reputation as a theatre hub. Partnerships like this signal investment in youth engagement amid funding challenges.

Local families stand to benefit from affordable, educational entertainment. The eco-theme resonates with sustainability drives in West Yorkshire. Coverage remains centred on the Northern Arts Review premiere, with no additional reports found across sources as of February 26, 2026.