MANCBETH
MANCBETH is an electronic music and live theatrical project created by musician Martin Andrews, performer Octavia Freud, and scriptwriter David Lemberg. The production reimagines Shakespeare's Macbeth through the lens of ambition and greed in modern-day Manchester clubland.
The project bridges electronic music, performance, and narrative world-building, turning Shakespeare's tragedy into a nightclub-driven live experience with a distinct Manchester identity.
Manchester Evening News featured MancBeth as a Manchester-driven take on Shakespeare, highlighting the project's local cultural references and live-performance energy. This coverage helps position the production within the wider city conversation around music, nightlife, and contemporary stagecraft.
Sacha Lord, the Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester at the time, and Rowetta, both publicly endorsed the show's partnership with the Stamp Out Spiking (SOS) campaign. Sacha said: “Enough is enough when it comes to spiking and I'm proud to support any campaign which helps stamp out this horrific crime. I'd like to wish the MancBeth launch good luck for the evening.”
Band on the Wall Launch
The Band on the Wall launch featured former Happy Mondays star Rowetta joining forces with Peter Hook-endorsed tribute band Shadowplay to perform Joy Division songs alongside house music classics.
Original FAC51 Haçienda DJ Jon Dasilva provided DJ sets that enhanced the nightclub atmosphere, while Octavia Freud and the Weird Sisters, Emma Hunter, Mila Todd, Means of Production, Tiger Mendoza, Maria Uzor, James Gallagher, Dan Clarke, and Brian Gorman as Tony Wilson expanded the live experience.
Project Overview
MancBeth is a ground breaking collaboration between musician Martin Andrews, performer Octavia Freud, and screenwriter David Lemberg. This electronic music and live theatrical project reimagines Shakespeare's Macbeth through the lens of modern-day Manchester clubland, exploring timeless themes of ambition, greed, and moral corruption in a contemporary setting.
The Experience
The immersive music and entertainment experience transports audiences into a world of passion, power, and betrayal. Combining electrifying electronic beats, a compelling narrative, and a unique theatrical experience that bridges classical literature and modern nightlife culture.
Following the success of the original 2024 album, MancBeth Remixed features exclusive reimaginings of tracks from the debut release. The remixes showcase the talents of electronic artists from Oxford's vibrant DIY music scene, breathing new life into the original material.
MancBeth Remixed (2025)
The album preserves the powerful vocal performances of The Bobo, Mila Todd, Cate Debu, Emma Hunter, Pet Twin, Kate Hicks, and Octavia Freud.
The release also includes two brand-new tracks: “Big Fun, Little Town” and “Work That Body.”
Availability
Available now with unlimited streaming via the Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads in MP3, FLAC, and additional formats.
Purchase MancBeth CD
Access the full MancBeth CD experience through our official store.
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