Those are just some of the elements director Jonathon Burdon has combined in his Campbelltown Theatre Group production of Macbeth.

Mr Burdon has taken the popular Shakespeare play and interpreted it with a twist. The play, which opens at the Town Hall Theatre on July 10, will remain the same but with Gothic costumes and contemporary music, including Marilyn Manson, Garbage and The Cure.

``Whenever people think of Shakespeare, we always have this really bad image that it's boring and of dusty old books,'' Mr Burdon said. ``The reason he's been around for so long is that they're pieces of writing that don't need to be edited. The trick is how to update it.

``It lended itself to be adapted to a darker place.''

The play will feature a combined cast of adults and youth, some amateur and some professional actors.

The cast has been rehearsing for the past three months in order to have the swordfighting sequences down pat.

Mr Burdon said he had drawn a lot of inspiration for the production from movies he had grown up with, such as Interview With The Vampire.

``There are some scenes you would see in a summer blockbuster movie,'' he said.

``There's a big fascination now with vampires and the supernatural.

``People love going to the movies to be frightened. The challenge is whether I can frighten the audience in the theatre.''

Mr Burdon said his Macbeth would appeal to young people.

``I'm really proud of it so far,'' he said.

Macbeth, at the Town Hall Theatre, Campbelltown from July 10 to 25, will show on Saturday afternoons and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Tickets cost $20 for adults and $16 for students and seniors. Bookings: 46285287 (between 6pm and 9pm).