Two women. Two crowns. One story.

As death approaches, Elizabeth I of England is haunted by memories – real and imagined – of her cousin,  Mary, Queen of Scots.

This major new production from Scottish Ballet’s choreographer-in-residence  Sophie Laplane  and co-creator, James Bonas (The Crucible), draws on the complex relationship between these two extraordinary queens. Laplane’s bold choreography blends classicism with modernity, reshaping a familiar story with powerful originality.

Soutra Gilmour’s striking, contemporary set is complemented by dazzling costumes that capture the grandeur of the era, with nods to haute couture and punk. New music, by the team behind 2022 hit Coppélia, is performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra.

An iconic story, unconventionally told, Mary, Queen of Scots was a critical hit that had audiences on their feet in Edinburgh, where it won Best International Festival show at The List Awards.

Mary, Queen of Scots is generously supported by the Bently Foundation and Five in Five Campaign Patrons.

Header image © Ruby Pluhar

Header image description: One female ballet dancer stands en pointe, dressed in a black velvet outfit with a high collar. Behind her are a group of blurred performers wearing black masks. In the middle of the group stands a powerful queen with red hair, wearing a white Elizabethan gown with a high collar.