Scottish Ballet is thrilled to announce the world premiere of Mary, Queen of Scots, debuting at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2025, with a subsequent tour across Scotland. This original production offers a fresh perspective on the historic relationship between Mary, Queen of Scots, and Queen Elizabeth I, told through Elizabeth’s eyes as she reflects on her complex bond with Mary in her final hours.
Directed by Scottish Ballet’s Choreographer in Residence, Sophie Laplane, Mary, Queen of Scots marks Laplane’s first full-length narrative ballet. Designed in collaboration with director James Bonas (The Crucible), the ballet pairs historical themes with a strikingly modern set by award-winning designer Soutra Gilmour, known for her acclaimed work on Merrily We Roll Along and & Juliet. The intergenerational cast includes various dancers playing the role of Elizabeth I, with guest artist Charlotta Öfverholm portraying Elizabeth in her later years. Mikael Karlsson and Michael P. Atkinson, the composers behind Scottish Ballet’s 2022 Coppélia, return to create a rich, emotive score for this new work.
“This story is a cornerstone of Scottish heritage and one we haven’t explored since the 1970s,” says Scottish Ballet Artistic Director and CEO, Christopher Hampson. “Through Sophie’s fresh approach, we’re seeing the Mary/Elizabeth relationship in a new light—balancing the weight of history with an inventive energy that brings new dimensions to these characters.”
The production is part of a significant year for Scottish Ballet, which includes a spring tour of A Streetcar Named Desire and Dextera in New Zealand, a premiere of its first full-length dance feature film in autumn, and a London production of Twice-Born.
Scottish Ballet is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing sustainable practices in the creation of Mary, Queen of Scots. Support from the Bently Foundation allows the company to track and reduce emissions for this production, contributing to a more sustainable future for stage and screen. This production also represents the culmination of Scottish Ballet’s Five in Five Campaign, launched in 2019 to commission and stage five new full-length ballets over five years in celebration of its 50th anniversary.
Tour Dates:
- Edinburgh International Festival: August 2025
- Glasgow, Theatre Royal: September 17–20, 2025
- Eden Court Highlands, Inverness: September 26–27, 2025
- Aberdeen, His Majesty’s Theatre: October 2–4, 2025
Mary, Queen of Scots is supported by patrons of the Five in Five Campaign, a testament to Scottish Ballet’s commitment to creating a lasting legacy for Scotland and expanding the reach of ballet to new audiences. Scottish Ballet, founded in 1969, continues to innovate in dance, presenting a diverse repertoire that combines classical technique with modern storytelling.
For more information, visit scottishballet.co.uk.