Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off

The legend of Scotland’s most infamous queen is colourfully realised in Tony Cownie’s production of Liz Lochhead’s classic play, Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off. A co-production with Dundee Rep Ensemble, it reveals much about contemporary Britain by looking at Scotland and England’s most revered queens.

Narrated by Corbie (Ann Louise Ross) Lochhead’s seminal drama follows the two queens, Mary (Shauna Macdonald) and Elizabeth (Emily Winter) as they carry out their twin reigns in two very different countries. But issues of gender, loyalty, public opinion and religion mar their leadership, and lead to an uncertain future for both of them.While returning to Lochhead’s work following their production of Educating Agnes (an adaptation of Moliere’s The School for Wives) earlier this year may seem a little too ‘safe’, as it were, the Lyceum’s co-production with the Dundee Rep Ensemble of Mary Queen of Scots is a fine example of powerfully prophetic theatre with an unforgiving bite. Although originally written in 1987, Lochhead’s portrayal of the war of nerves between the two infamous queens presents themes of mistrust, racism, betrayal, religion and deceit, all of which are bonded together by a scathing analysis of societal attitudes towards femininity, power and greed.

However, what makes this production truly remarkable is its representation of women in power, and our attitudes towards them. Performed at a time when various women’s issues and rights are being debated in parliament including rights for mothers, Mary Queen of Scots is both a timely and reflective piece of original theatre. Taking place in Neil Murray’s frenzied and post-apocalyptic style set and featuring his outlandish costumes, this co-production serves as a apt reminder of the UK’s past, and perhaps, the UK’s future. Told with impressive delivery, understanding and energy, Mary Queen of Scots showcases Lochhead’s passion for words and Cownie’s flair for storytelling in a play that’s expertly performed by a united and talented cast.

Entertaining, boisterous and elegantly realised Mary Queen of Scots is a perfect reminder of why both the Lyceum and the Dundee Rep are so revered as leading theatrical venues.