As a supporter of Scottish Ballet and aware of the preparation of this for a couple of years, I was very much looking forward to this production.
As a long-standing member of the Mary Queen of Scots Society, doubly so. Considering the previous creations as part of their ‘5 in 5’ programme, my expectations were especially high, perhaps too high.
Sophie Laplane’s choreography seemed rather inelegant though was slightly less fusty in the second half; there seemed to be an exploration of movements not specifically dance for the sake of it. Also, in the first half the music of Mikael Karlsson and Michael P Atkinson at times seemed to parody rather than honour Scottish tradition. And Soutra Gilmour’s set and costumes seemed to miss a trick by employing a minimalist, nearly monochrome leitmotif; Renaissance sovereign residences were colourful places but here the French, English, & Scottish courts were depicted without that decoration.
Of course, condensing a highly-eventful history into a theatrical production always involves difficult choices, but for me the most significant omission was the change in Mary’s court after the murder of Rizzio but preceding Darnley’s assassination. And Bothwell was completely absent! Really?
Other notable elements which seemed unnecessary verging on the insulting were Elizabeth on stilts and the balloon representing Mary’s son being labelled ‘James’ which marking was reprised when he appeared later in a Pierrot costume. Why depict him as a clown? I suppose the fool who kept being inserted was intended as an artistic link between the scenes but failed to enhance the narrative.
However, as always, the execution by the dancers and musicians was world-class. Two (and a half) stars.
https://www.eif.co.uk/events/mary-queen-of-scots
