EPISODE 2: LADY MACBETH PLAYED WING DEFENCE ALBUM LISTENING PARTY | SEASON 1

Welcome to Joyrides, the podcast that delves into the minds of Ana Ferreira Manhoso and Courtney McManus, co-directors of Crash Theatre Company. Join us as we explore the vibrant world of theatre creation in Boorloo (Perth). 

In this episode, we are giving you exclusive access to our listening party for the original cast album of Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence. This episode is a celebration of the hard work, creativity, and passion that went into bringing this unique and multi-award winning musical to life. We take you behind the scenes of the musical’s creation, exploring everything from the inspiration behind the story to the electronic pop-synth sound that drives the show.

Throughout this episode, you'll hear snippets of the standout tracks from the album and enjoy cosy interviews with the cast, choreographer Shannon Rogers, and director & composer Bec Price (PROJECT BEXX). Each interview provides insight into the creative process, the challenges faced, and the unforgettable moments experienced along the way. 

CONTENT WARNINGS

Swearing/profanities 

Alcohol consumption

EPISODE BREAKDOWN

Pitstop: 00:00 – 03:15

Ana and Courtney briefly update the listeners about CRASH’s success in 2024. They announce the details of the national tour, starting at Subiaco Arts Centre in September before embarking on the Fringe Festival circuit throughout Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. 

Introduction: 03:15 – 07:04

Track 1: Pick Your Player & Interview with PROJECT BEXX: 07:04 – 24:43

After playing Pick Your Player, Ana and Courtney interview PROJECT BEXX, who composed the musical’s electronic pop-synth score. They discuss the creative process behind the music, how electronic elements were blended with the narrative, and the challenges faced during the composition. The conversation touches on balancing the roles of composer and director, as well as the journey of their collaboration.

Track 2: In Thunder, Lightning, or in Rain & Interview with Andrea Lim, Bec Collins, and Georgia McGivern 24:43 - 37:40

Following In Thunder, Lightning, or in Rain, Ana and Courtney interview Andrea, Bec, and Georgia, who portray both netball players and members of the Dagger Divas. They discuss their dual roles, share memorable moments from rehearsals, and talk about how they bonded as castmates to portray close friends on stage.

Track 3: Trap a Rat & Interview with Shannon Rogers 37:40 - 50:58

After Trap a Rat plays, Ana and Courtney chat with Shannon, who served as both a performer and the choreographer. Shannon shares insights into choreographing the netball scenes, balancing athleticism with storytelling through movement, and anecdotes from teaching the cast dance and how to throw a netball during rehearsals.

Track 4: In Thunder, Lightning or in Rain (Reprise) & Interview with Kate Sisley 50:58 - 59:25

After the reprise of In Thunder, Lightning or in Rain, Kate reflects on her character's journey, the dynamics within the team, and the challenges of portraying the best friend of such a morally complex character. She also imagines what a potential ballad for her character would sound like.

Track 5: I Am Mia & Interview with Ana Ferreira Manhoso 59:25 - 01:08:19

Following I Am Mia, Ana shares insights into her character’s motivations and the process of writing the musical’s lyrics. She discusses the experience of juggling multiple roles, from producing to marketing, and reflecting on returning to the stage as a performer.

Track 6: Claire the Hair & Interview with Andrea Lim, Bec Collins, and Georgia McGivern 01:08:19 - 01:14:37

After the performance of Claire the Hair, Ana and Courtney reconnect with Andrea, Bec, and Georgia to discuss the process of creating the song’s spooky vibes. The cast shares funny rehearsal anecdotes, and worship Georgia for the riff-goddess that she is.

Track 7: Captain Mac (Say My Name) & Interview with Shannon Rogers and PROJECT BEXX 01:14:37 - 1:20:29

In this segment, Ana and Courtney talk with Shannon and PROJECT BEXX to discuss how Captain Mac (Say My Name) brought the entire cast together on stage, how Shannon balanced athletic movement with storytelling at the climax of the musical, when Mac finally takes control. PROJECT BEXX shares insights into how the In Thunder, Lightning, or in Rain theme evolved to reflect the escalating tension throughout the show. The group also explores how different musical genres, like rock opera or gospel music, could have reimagined the musical’s narrative.

Track 8: Love of the Game & Interview with Courtney McManus 1:20:29 - 1:26:49 

After Love of the Game plays, Courtney talks about the inspiration behind the musical and the theme of girl power in this climactic ballad. She also reflects on her role in education and how Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence can bridge educational gaps within schools and provide access to literature that is sometimes inaccessible to students who haven’t been exposed to Shakespeare. Ana and Courtney speak about their journey of creating Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence, sharing their proudest moments and what is to come.

Track 9: Megamix & Outro 1:26:49 - 1:27:33

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence – Schools and Families

Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence – Sydney Fringe Festival

Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence - Melbourne Fringe Festival

Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence - Perth Fringe Festival

Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence - Bunbury Fringe Festival

Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence - Adelaide Fringe Festival

FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS

Instagram: instagram.com/crashtheatre.co

Facebook: facebook.com/crashtheatre.co

Website: crashtheatre.com.au

Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@crashtheatre.co

Email: [email protected]

CREDITS

Podcast SFX: Bec Price (PROJECT BEXX)

Podcast Artwork: Andrea Lim (MaedforU)

Photography: Andrea Lim (MaedforU)

In this episode, discover the extraordinary journey that led Ana and Courtney to forge a creative partnership and birth Crash Theatre Company. Unveil the fascinating tale of their humble beginnings, their collaborative process, and the trials and triumphs they encountered along the way.

CONTENT WARNINGS

Swearing/profanities

EPISODE BREAKDOWN

Introduction: 00:00 – 04:11

Resilience (PAANDA): 04:12- 25:00

Ana and Courtney delve into the challenges of managing passions alongside university commitments and navigating the intricacies of working with friends in high-pressure situations. They also explore the exhilarating world of the Fringe Festival as first-timers, sharing their experiences and insights. With a shift away from producing established plays, Ana and Courtney discuss their journey into writing original shows, pushing creative boundaries, and the excitement of programming parody productions. Additionally, they touch upon the crucial aspect of trust that has been established between them as partners, highlighting its profound impact on their collaborative process and the success of Crash Theatre Company.

Resourceful (PAAS): 25:01 – 38:13

Ana and Courtney explore the experience of performing with friends after leaving university. They delve into the challenges faced by young, innovative artists in the community theatre landscape and discuss the importance of inclusivity and embracing fresh perspectives in productions. The duo also delves into the world of fundraising and the complexities of balancing a creative workload while avoiding burnout. Additionally, they share their personal journeys of rebranding and trying something new, shedding light on the challenges that arise during these transformative processes.

Risk (CRASH): 38:14 – 57:22

Ana and Courtney discuss the transformative journey of transitioning from a charity to a business. They discuss the power of creating a vision board and the satisfaction of already achieving some of their goals. With a deep desire to create impactful experiences and tell meaningful stories, they delve into the challenges of walking away from a project and returning with renewed dedication. Ana and Courtney also discuss their exhilarating experience of touring Adelaide Fringe Festival for the first time, showcasing the show 'WHALE’. The duo also reflects on their debut at The Blue Room Theatre with 'Sisterhood of the Travelling Lighter,' tracing its journey from parody roots to a heartfelt coming-of-age story. They emphasize the value of nurturing and expanding people's skills and touch upon the challenges of not fitting into traditional theatre channels and the arts scene, while striving to create their own unique path.

Outro: 57:23 – 1:01:11

NEXT TIME

Get ready for some exciting upcoming episodes on Joyrides! In one episode, we sit down with the multi-talented Project BEXX, a true 'professional bad bitch' who wears many hats as a music producer, DJ, vocalist, live musician, and performance artist. Join us as we dive into their remarkable journey and explore her unique artistic endeavours.

In future episodes, we will present an exclusive audio performance of CRASH's highly anticipated debut at The Blue Room Theatre, 'Sisterhood of the Travelling Lighter.’ Starring Stella Banfield, Courtney McManus, Clea Purkis, and Shannon Rogers, this captivating production includes messages of empowerment, friendship and sisterhood.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

WHALE – Sydney Fringe Festival 26-30 Sep at Erskineville Town Hall

WHALE – Melbourne Fringe Festival 3-7 Oct at Queen Victoria Women’s Centre

FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS

Instagram: crashtheatre.co

Facebook: Crash Theatre Co

Website: crashtheatre.com.au

Tik Tok: crashtheatre.co

Email: [email protected]

RESOURCES

Performing Arts Association of Notre Dame Australia (PAANDA) website: www.paanda.com.au/

CREDITS

Podcast sound mixing and editing: Project BEXX

Podcast art: Maedforu