If you haven’t heard the buzz yet, let me be the first to tell you: Scottish Ballet’s *Mary, Queen of Scots* is taking the Edinburgh International Festival by storm. Critics are raving, audiences are mesmerized, and it’s not hard to see why. This isn’t your grandmother’s historical ballet—it’s a bold, modern, and utterly gripping reimagining of one of Scotland’s most tragic and fascinating figures.
From the moment the curtain rises, this production grabs you. It’s described as “fizzing” by *The Week*, and honestly, that’s the perfect word. There’s an electric energy here—a blend of classic ballet technique with contemporary storytelling that feels fresh, urgent, and deeply human. The choreography doesn’t just recount history; it dissects it, laying bare the political intrigue, personal turmoil, and raw emotion of Mary’s life.
What sets this ballet apart is its fearless approach. *The Guardian* calls it “bold,” and they’re absolutely right. This isn’t a safe, sanitized version of history. Instead, it dives headfirst into the complexities of power, gender, and betrayal. The production manages to feel both timeless and strikingly current, bringing the royal courts “bang up to date” without losing the grandeur and tragedy of the source material.
*The Scotsman* and *Scottish Field* have also sung its praises, highlighting how the ballet stands out even among the heavy hitters of the Edinburgh International Festival. And *The Wee Review*’s simple, powerful titling—*Mary, Queen of Scots*—speaks volumes. Sometimes, less is more when the work itself does all the talking.
But beyond the technical brilliance and critical acclaim, what really makes this production a hit is its heart. You feel for Mary—her struggles, her strengths, her vulnerabilities. The dancers embody her story with such intensity that it’s impossible to look away. This is ballet as high drama, as political commentary, as emotional catharsis.
So, if you’re in Edinburgh, consider this your must-see. And if you’re not? Well, let’s hope this production tours far and wide. Because *Mary, Queen of Scots* isn’t just a ballet—it’s a revelation.
