Ahead of its performance on 1 May 2019, Mary Queen of Scots comedy got acquainted at The Boathouse, Kinross

Sarah MacGillivray, the star of the darkly comic play Marie, based on the life of Mary Queen of Scots but given a distinctly modern twist,  pulled a pint at The Boathouse Restaurant on the shores of Loch Leven in Kinross, before the play is performed there in May as part of a tour of Scotland.

The Loch Leven date is particularly appropriate, given Mary Queen of Scots’ connections with the area, having visited in 1565 and then returned as a prisoner from 17 June 1567 until her escape on 2 May 1568.

New proprietor of The Boathouse, Sally Fotheringham, was delighted to welcome the cast to her restaurant for a special press photocall, and made sure that there was plenty of ale on hand from the local Loch Leven Brewery, which produces a Warrior Queen pale ale, inspired by Mary Queen of Scots.

“It’s a fantastic privilege for me to have this play staged here – we are the only restaurant on the tour,” said Sally. “We will hopefully attract a large crowd to see it. We actually have great space here at The Boathouse for all manner of performances and events.  I’ve taken on this exciting new venture for myself with a packed diary of events right through the summer months , so it’s very exciting.”

In the play Marie is a barmaid from Edinburgh with dreams above her station. She returns to the big smoke to work in a pub, The Prince Arthur.

As well as being performed in The Boathouse, which holds many events along with being a popular eatery,  the play will also visit Perth Theatre on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 March, Tron Theatre, Glasgow on Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 April, Blair Atholl Village Hall on Thursday 2 May, Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy on Friday 3 May, Community Connect, Rattray on Saturday 4 May, Birnam Arts Centre on Wednesday 8 May, Byre Theatre, St Andrews on Thursday 9 May and Strathearn Artspace, Crieff on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 May. 

Marie won the Scottish Arts Club Bright Spark Award at the Edinburgh Fringe and has since played fringe venues around the UK.

For tickets and info for Marie, check www.horsecross.co.uk for details. 

Check out The Boathouse at www.theboathouselochleven.co.uk.

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
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