Words: Elodie Marriott

3 Stars

Neon mesh, moustache disguises, and rock and roll tours, signal that this is no ordinary Mary Queen of Scots retelling. This female-led production translates the historical events of the 1500s into a memorable and empowering musical.

Returning to Scotland after 13 years, the rebellious Mary is a singer-songwriter focused on making a rock album, but her cunning brother (Earl of) Moray and the pious (John) Knox feel threatened by her drive and scheme to revoke her contract at Presbyterian Records.

The ladies-in-waiting all shine in their distinctive roles. Nicola Alexander expresses her Gemma Collins-inspired Queen Lizzie excellently through physical humour, strutting around and “aw babes”-ing at Mary’s misfortune. Sarah Dingwall’s lip-biting cad, Darnley, is a character you love to hate.

The songs are lively and catchy, with ‘The Rumour Mill’ and ‘Man of Action’ being stand-outs. Rather than change Mary’s fate to one that’s more uplifting, the final tune urges us to “hear it for the loud women,” reminding us that throughout history there have been attempts to oppress women who don’t conform.

Mary, Queen of Rock! injects new life and agency into this famous historical figure and encapsulates the saying: “Well-behaved women seldom make history.”

Mary, Queen of Rock!
Assembly Rooms – Ballroom,
21:20
Aug 2-6, 8-13, 15-20, 22-25