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Rosie stands in a dark dress in a dimly lit room, with a portrait-like overlay. Behind her, Charlotta is pointing outward in the background. The image has a dramatic and artistic feel, with a mix of realistic and painted elements.

Announcing Mary, Queen of Scots

Mary, Queen of Scots

Today we announce our major new production for 2025. The World Premiere of Mary, Queen of Scots will debut at Edinburgh International Festival next year, followed by a Scottish tour. The production will be told through the eyes of Queen Elizabeth I, based on her perceived and imagined relationship with Mary, Queen of Scots, revisiting her past a few hours from death. 

The ballet will be performed in a striking, contemporary set, with spectacular, period-inspired costumes. Casting will be fluid and intergenerational, with various members of the company playing the part of Elizabeth I, including guest dancer Charlotta Öfverholm who will play her in her later years. 

 

An elderly woman gently adjusts the necklace of a younger woman wearing a black spaghetti strap dress. The scene is warmly lit, creating an intimate and tender moment between the two.

Roseanna Leney and  Charlotta Öfverholm during the campaign photoshoot of Mary, Queen of Scots. Credit Mihaela Bodlovic

The brand-new work has been choreographed by Scottish Ballet’s Choreographer in Residence Sophie Laplane – her first full length narrative ballet – and created with James Bonas (The Crucible). Designed by Soutra Gilmour, award-winning set and/or costume designer of Broadway & West End productions, including Merrily We Roll Along, & Juliet, Sunset Blvd, Romeo & Juliet, Into The Woods and The Tempest; with music composed by Mikael Karlsson & Michael P Atkinson, the team behind the stunning score for Scottish Ballet’s 2022 EIF hit Coppélia. 

The story of Mary, Queen of Scots is iconic, and part of our heritage in Scotland. It’s been told many times before, but rarely in dance. Scottish Ballet produced a version way back in the 70s, so I thought it was timely for us to look at that story again, and who better to do so than our resident choreographer Sophie Laplane. Sophie’s take on the Mary/Elizabeth relationship is incredibly fresh – there’s a real playfulness in the way she’s working with the story and the characters. It’s a familiar story to us all, but it will be told in a very new way, which is so Scottish Ballet.

Christopher Hampson, CEO/Artistic Director of Scottish Ballet

Chris gestures while speaking to Rosie and Charlotta on a photoshoot set. The women have their backs to the camera and are wearing sleeveless dresses.

Artistic Director and CEO Christopher Hampson on set of the campaign image photoshoot for Mary, Queen of Scots. Credit Mihaela Bodlovic

Mary, Queen of Scots tour dates:

Edinburgh International Festival  August 2025
Glasgow, Theatre Royal  17-20 Sep 2025
Eden Court Highlands, Inverness  26-27 Sep 2025
Aberdeen, His Majesty’s Theatre  2-4 Oct 2025

Bently Foundation is supporting the creation of Mary, Queen of Scots.

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