All-drag Category is: Macbeth cancels London run

TuckShop has announced that their production of Category Is: Macbeth will no longer go ahead.

The all-drag staging of Shakespeare’s play was set for a run at the Emerald Theatre this spring, directed by TuckShop creative director Chris Clegg, with a cast starring Drag Race UK winners Ginger Johnson as Macbeth and Kyran Thrax as Lady Macbeth.

The production aimed to relocate the story to 1980s London, drawing on the city’s club and drag scene. The setting placed the narrative within a backdrop of queer nightlife, with references to music from artists including Depeche Mode, Soft Cell and Pet Shop Boys.

A statement released by Clegg on social media today reads:

“Mounting this production was an ambitious project. Advance ticket sales were slow and with rising costs across the board, the economic headwinds were too strong for us to be able to make this the success it deserved to be. We really tried to carry on, but we got to a place where it wasn’t right to continue knowing we’d not be able to cover our costs. That’s the harsh reality of producing a show!

“I want to thank everyone who has given their time and love to this production, and especially those who have been going above and beyond to try and continue by offering help, services, and more. It’s really appreciated, more than I can express. Callum, Adam, Toby, leuan, River, Rio and Jolanta, Oscar, Peter, Alex and Natalie, Brian, Andrew, Kieran, Lucy. There’s a lot more I’m sure, so apologies if I missed you. You’ve all been brilliant and so helpful, thank you.

“Ginger and Kyran, it’s been a pleasure working with you on preparing this show, getting to become closer with you both on press and development days. You’re both phenomenal! To the rest of the cast, I was so looking forward to working with you all and I’m sorry we can’t make it happen. Some of you I’ve worked with before and know what great work you can do, and some of you were going to be new to TuckShop and I hope we get a chance to work together in the future. Thanks for your time, energy and input these last few weeks as we got ready for the show.

“Whilst I understand this news will be disappointing, I do really want to thank those of you who bought tickets for supporting small, independent theatre and hope you’ll continue to do so – by buying a ticket to new shows, shows in your area, and sharing the love on social media. The internet is so loud, so the more light you can shine on new works is really appreciated by those making it.

“…I think Drag and Shakespeare are a natural combo, I think what we were trying to do here was going to be truly great, exciting and special production of the Scottish play and I hope one day we get to realise it for you.”

The statement confirmed that TuckShop are working on the next season of their drag competition The Crown, while The Diana Mixtape is in development for a future production. Additionally, Gals Aloud and Spice Gals will be back, as well as the annual Drag Panto, which will mark their 6th year in the West End.

Finally, Clegg confirmed: “For those of you that have tickets, your booking will automatically be refunded and funds will be returned to your original payment method within 14 days. There is no action you need to take.”