‘Don’t let some pretty bitch take you down,’ was something Shakespeare never actually wrote, but perhaps might have if he’d been writing about the merciless ambitions flying around a high-school netball team. This comically fabulous reworking of Macbeth from Crash Theatre Co sees Lady Macbeth (Mac) desperate to be captain of the Dunsinane Hellhounds. But coach Duncan is having none of it, promoting instead a succession of girls whom Mac picks off in turn, spreading rumours about them or breaking their ankles (Tonya Harding-style), and when all else fails, just being an outright bitch.

This is The Scottish Play via Mean Girls, with musical numbers to boot. The whole thing could have descended into farce, resting on the incongruous lunacy of the setting against Shakespeare’s language, which is interspersed throughout. But Courtney McManus’ performance as Duncan, and her sharp script, bring depth to make this a savvy update of the play’s horribly translatable themes. 

Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence, Assembly George Square Studios, until 25 August, 4.15pm; main picture: Nick Robertson.