Living with Lady Macbeth uses the device of a play within a play to examine some of the issues of power and ambition invested in the character of Lady Macbeth. Lily is determined to audition for this part, as she is tired of always being behind the scene, of being ordinary and reliable. Disregarding derision from those around her, Lily stuns everyone with a chilling performance of Act 1 Scene V, but finally chooses to do the costumes – not out of defeat, but because she has satisfied her ambition.