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It’s 1567. Meet James Melville, an intelligent, charismatic and skilled diplomat who is also one of the most loyal servants of Mary Stuart, the troubled Queen of Scots. It’s a time of political turmoil and the shocking crimes he has witnessed have shaken him. Now he needs to decide who’s guilty, who’s innocent, and who is too dangerous to accuse.
Change is coming, but at what price?
Rona Munro’s new political thriller marks her welcome return to Hampstead after her successes with Bold Girls (1991), The Maiden Stone (1995), Snake (1999), Little Eagles (2011) and Donny’s Brain (2012). Famous for her work on Doctor Who as well as her writing for film, TV and radio, Mary is a standalone play but also a companion piece to The James Plays cycle (James I, II, and III, National Theatre of Scotland and National Theatre; James IV, Raw Material and Capital Theatres in association with National Theatre of Scotland), winner of the Evening Standard and Writers’ Guild of Great Britain Awards in 2014.
Roxana Silbert, Hampstead’s Artistic Director (The Haystack, 'night, Mother, The Fever Syndrome, Folk) reunites with Munro, having previously directed her plays Iron (Royal Court) and Little Eagles (Hampstead).
Douglas Henshall, star of BBC’s Shetland, last seen at Hampstead in 2012 as Oliver Cromwell in 55 Days, returns to play Melville. His theatre work includes Network (National Theatre); Betrayal (Comedy) and The Cryptogram (Donmar). For film and television, Shetland (series 1-7); The Small Hand; Outlander; Hotel Taliban and Primeval (3 Series).
Rona Morison also stars. Her theatre work includes The Haystack (Hampstead Theatre); The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (Donmar); The James Plays (National Theatre) and To Kill a
Mockingbird (Regent’s Park). For film and television, Our Ladies; Solo: A Star Wars Story; The Control Room and Absentia.
Brian Vernel also stars. His theatre work includes Stories (National Theatre); The Seagull (Lyric Hammersmith) and Four Parts Broken (National Theatre of Scotland/Traverse Theatre/
Oran Mor). His Film and TV work includes Dunkirk; Star Wars: The Force Awakens; Gangs of London (Series 1 & 2); Collateral; The Tunnel and Dr Who.
Our promise to you
In the event of Mary being postponed, you can choose between a full refund or credit to be used for any show at Hampstead.
As always, our audience, company and staff are our top priority. For more information about how we’re keeping you safe, please click here.
We present entertaining and original theatre, and we want you to have the best experience possible. We understand that, as part of this, some audience members may appreciate additional guidance on the content of our plays. Click here for more information.
Please note that for performances of Mary, latecomers will not be admitted. Please ensure you arrive on time.
The play contains haze, blood, violence, strong language and references to rape.
Please note that our content warnings evolve as the production does throughout rehearsal and previews, so there may be changes made between booking and attending the theatre. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about specific themes or concerns, please call the Box Office on 020 7722 9301 or email boxoffice@hampsteadtheatre.com
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Theatre Address
Hampstead Theatre,
Eton Avenue,
Swiss Cottage,
London,
NW3 3EU
