Finn den Hertog's 40th-anniversary revival of Liz Lochhead's Scottish classic on the rivalry between Mary and Elizabeth I.
Liz Lochhead's Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off comes to the Citizens Theatre from 13 February to 6 March 2027, directed by Finn den Hertog. It's a revival of Lochhead's Scottish classic, and this production marks the play's 40th anniversary. It's also the first time it's been staged at the Citz, so it's a bit of a double occasion.
The play is set in a Scotland split between two kingdoms and follows the rivalry between the glamorous 16th-century Mary and her calculating English cousin, Elizabeth I. Lochhead wrote it in a richly poetic Scots language, and it's known for its theatricality and gallus wit, mixing political relevance with fairytale storytelling. Artistic Director Dominic Hill describes it as a sharp, witty and powerful exploration of Scottish history, identity and power, with tensions over gender and religion that still haunt us today. It's recommended for ages 12+.
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Lochhead's play first premiered at the Edinburgh Festival in 1987, and this production brings it to the Citizens' Main Theatre for the first time. It runs from 13 February through to 6 March, with evening performances at 7:30pm and matinees at 2pm, 3pm and 6pm. Tickets are £14 to £43.50, with a £1.50 booking fee per transaction.
