Ruff-ling feathers…

This summer, Mary, Queen of Scots will premiere at Edinburgh International Festival and then tour across Scotland. In this retelling, you will see Mary through the eyes of her rival and cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England in the last hours of her life. Mary’s confidence, glamour and power ruffles Elizabeth’s feathers. 

Scottish Ballet’s Resident Choreographer (and former dancer) Sophie Laplane’s distinctive take on this controversial story between two women who never met, is that of a dark, absurd and brutal world. 

Expect ruffs, corsets and wigs but stilts, falconry caps and pot bellies too. Soutra Gilmour’s dramatic sets and costume designs are vital to creating the story’s world. 

I will help dress the drama

Mary 

The French Court sees Mary surrounded  by sophisticated couture, featuring black and white corsets in fabrics like silk and lace inspired by Chanel and Dior. In the Scottish courts men and women dress in heather-coloured sleeveless dresses with kilt backs. Swishing when dancers turn, a ceilidh is afoot. 

Elizabeth 

We witness an all-male English Court with strong references to the punk era, crest haircuts, ruffs around wrists and ankles and plotting spymasters. Hours from death, Elizabeth is clad in armor plating, inch-thick make-up wearing a signature red wig. She reflects on her life, her regrets and of course… Mary. 

The drama unfolding

Mary Mullen, Head of Wardrobe at Scottish Ballet, is working closely with Soutra to source fabrics for up to 108 costumes for the 17 characters. These include velvets, quilted fabrics in silk and cotton, fine wools, linen and metallic fabrics. The story is now taking shape in the sewing rooms of 14 carefully selected specialist makers for dance, including two hat makers and a wig expert. While cutting, stitching, and hemming, Mary and Elizabeth’s story is starting to unravel and unfold.

The costumes for this intriguing new work are loaded with symbolism and are designed to comment. From falconry spies to caged skirts. Your donation to the Courts and Queens Costume Appeal will help continue the story while dressing two queens, three courts and everyone in between.