Clairvoyant
London / Edinburgh. 2015
A wannabe pop star happens to be clairvoyant and inconveniently channels the spirits of tragic and hopeless characters every time she tries to perform her carefully rehearsed dance routine set to Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’.
“Takes the gallery-of-characters solo showcase and stands it on its head, unravelling narratives that become unnervingly realistic ... Seamlessly blending her own text with uncanny physicality, Mackenzie resists going over the top, allowing the simple detail of these lives to produce the big drama – which is how life really is. An absorbing performance where you’ll find technique and emotion in equal measure.”
— The Stage
“Showcases an impressive range and ability to become different characters... [Her] undeniable skill as a performer keeps the pace pushing along, and her detailed and well-observed character work is really a joy to watch”
— Scotsman
“An extremely talented character actor... how quickly the audience manages to pick up on what is occurring with the different characters is a testament to the quality of writing and performance. These characters are all recognisable – and become real people.... there is much to come from this accomplished writer/performer.”
— Edinburgh Spotlight
“Anyone who thinks that acting is not an art needs to see this show. It is rare to see an actor engage an audience so powerfully, with such confidence and self-control... Mackenzie manages to transform herself into a series of characters by whom I am instantly entranced. The text is sharp, funny, and touches on a number of significant themes... uncanny, intense, and brilliantly entertaining.”
— FringeReview
“An enthralling performer with a charmingly funny show... [a] vivid depiction of her characters feels effortless, transitioning seamlessly and without announcement using just her voice and posture, slipping into and out of some incredibly precise accents. Creating what feels like a series of convincing, but ordinary, individuals, Mackenzie’s characters somehow don’t drift into immediate obscurity, as each reveals themselves to be interesting and amusing.”
— Ginger Hibiscus
Perfidious Lion
Peckham Pelican / Hackney Showrooms / Underbelly / Edinburgh Festival Fringe / East Riding Theatre / Platform Theatre / Galway International Arts Festival. 2016-17
A traumatised widow decides to host a dinner party for the group of friends who were with her on the holiday in which her husband was killed by a lion. Fortunately, she’s got a surprise for them all to commemorate the occasion: the unveiling of the lion, which she’s had killed, stuffed, and made into a taxidermy trophy to be hung on her wall.
“An outstanding performance. Somehow, despite the stage only being occupied by one person, I’m left with the feeling that I’ve been in the presence of a diverse range of characters... something really magnificent.”
— Edinburgh Spotlight
“If you are planning to be an actor you’ll have to see this show: it’s a complete masterclass.”
— Broadway Baby
“A beautifully performed piece - a mastery of the form. We could believe utterly in those present although we could only hear one side... one of the most outstanding performances I have seen.”
— UK Theatre Web
“This was without question one of the most enjoyable and highest quality one woman shows I have ever had the pleasure to see... Mackenzie captivates the audience,”
— EdFringe.com
Bonnie Feckter
VAULT Festival, London. 2020
An shy and haphazard archivist starts channelling scenarios from the records she’s cataloguing, bringing a series of overlooked and forgotten strangers back to life for one posthumous moment in the limelight.
This show’s life was cut short by the pandemic and has no reviews. The only thing I can say is it had a sell out run, a standing ovation, and my clever friend Matt thought it had lots of promise.