Mary, Queen of Scots
“A masterpiece of modern ballet.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The List (UK)
As death approaches, Elizabeth I of England is haunted by memories — real and imagined — of her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots. Two queens who never met, locked in a fatal dance of sex, jealousy, political intrigue, and religious warfare.
This major new production from Scottish Ballet’s choreographer-in-residence Sophie Laplane and co-creator James Bonas (The Crucible) draws on the complex, combustible relationship between Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I of England — two women who never met but whose rivalry defined an era. Laplane’s bold choreography blends classical technique with contemporary edge, reshaping their story with powerful originality.
Soutra Gilmour’s (Sunset Boulevard, Waiting for Godot on Broadway) striking, contemporary set is complemented by gritty and glamorous costumes that capture the grandeur of the Tudor era, with nods to haute couture and subversive street style. Guest Artist Charlotta Öfverholm, as the older Elizabeth, brings her rich storytelling expertise to the company’s acclaimed ensemble. Mary, Queen of Scots was a sensation on its premiere at the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival.
Scottish Ballet is Scotland’s national dance company and one of the five leading ballet companies in the United Kingdom. Over the last five years, the company has commissioned and staged more full-length ballets than any other ballet company in the UK, including three choreographed by women.
Celebrated for its contemporary interpretations and groundbreaking collaborations, Scottish Ballet brings this daring, visually stunning production to audiences with the same artistic ambition that has made them one of Europe’s most exciting dance companies.
Mary, Queen of Scots is an iconic story unconventionally told: where Renaissance meets punk, where classical ballet meets visceral theatre, and where history becomes urgent, immediate, and unmissable.
Original score by Mikael Karlsson and Michael P Atkinson performed live by the New York City Ballet Orchestra.
Anna Williams and Grace Horler in rehearsal.
Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic
Charlotta Öfverholm as Older Elizabeth I.
Photo: Andy Ross
Director and Co-Creator James Bonas and Choreographer and Co-Creator Sophie Laplane.
Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic
Evan Loudon as Darnley (center) with dancers of Scottish Ballet.
Photo: Andy Ross
Evan Loudon as Darnley and Roseanna Leney as Mary.
Photo: Andy Ross
Kayla-Maree Tarantolo in rehearsal.
Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic
Kayla-Maree Tarantolo in rehearsal.
Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic
L-R_ Andrea Azzari, Jamie Reid, Javier Andreu and Theo Greenfield in rehearsal.
Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic
Madeline Squire (center) as Catherine de Medici and Roseanna Leney (below) as Mary with dancers of Scottish Ballet.
Photo: Andy Ross
Madeline Squire in rehearsal. Photo_ Mihaela Bodlovic
Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic
Madeline Squire, Roseanna Leney and dancers of Scottish Ballet in rehearsal.
Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic
Roseana Leney (center) as Mary with dancers of Scottish Ballet.
Photo: Andy Ross
Roseanna Leney (center) as Mary and Melissa Parsons, Danila Marzilli, Alice Kawalek and Hannah Cubitt as The Four Marys.
Photo: Andy Ross
Roseanna Leney (centre) as Mary and dancers of Scottish Ballet.
Photo: Andy Ross
Roseanna Leney as Mary, Queen of Scots.
Photo: Andy Ross
Roseanna Leney as Mary, Queen of Scots.
Photo: Andy Ross
Roseanna Leney in rehearsal.
Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic
Scottish Ballet in the studio.
Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic
Thomas Edwards (center) as Walsingham, Harvey Littlefield (right) as Younger Elizabeth and dancers of Scottish Ballet.
Photo: Andy Ross
Thomas Edwards and dancers of Scottish Ballet in rehearsal.
Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic
"One of the most visually captivating and emotionally arresting shows ever to emerge from the Scottish Ballet stable. ‘Mary, Queen Of Scots isn’t just a gift that keeps on giving, it’s like a game of pass-the-parcel with a fascinating new layer to unwrap every few minutes. Bravo to every single person, on-stage and off, who contributed to this masterpiece of modern ballet."
The List
"Laplane’s choreography flows like quicksilver through different styles and influences, bringing in graceful courtly posturing, flat-footed earthy ceilidhs and even glimpses of tango in a sultry duet between Mary and Darnley."
The Scotsman
"Extremely special… a truly triumphant, world-class ballet."
The National
Choreographer & Co-Creator
Sophie Laplane
Director & Co-Creator
James Bonas
Original Score
Mikael Karlsson
Michael P Atkinson
Set & Costume Designer
Soutra Gilmour
Lighting Designer
Bonnie Beecher
Projection & Video Designer
Anouar Brissel
With the New York City Ballet Orchestra