Written by Cal Ferguson, Mhairi McCall and Lewis Lauder
Directed by Jo Rush
The ambition behind Mary, Queen of Rock! is undeniable with local musical theatre company Pretty Knickers attempting to fuse one of the most famous faces from Scottish history with the swagger of rock opera. The result is a show brimming with enthusiasm, but one that struggles to balance bold ideas with clarity.
The concept of using clashing music genres of Pop and Rock to mirror religious divides is intriguing and at times entertaining and effective. Costuming is colourful and playful, echoing the vibrancy and energy the performers bring to the spectacle.
Mhairi McCall shines at the centre, bringing both vocal range and magnetic presence to Mary Queen of Scots but struggles to pivot the show into a positive feminist message after the portrayal of the titular Queen of Rock as entirely lacking agency. Opposite her, Cameron Bank delivers an entertaining caricature of the primary villain of the show, John Knox, delivering ridiculous lines with a straight face and capturing some of the historical propaganda of the time.
Throughout the show there are some highlight moments that draw the audience in, while others suffer from confusing messaging in the song lyrics or conflicting characterisation. The blurring together of rival music labels and religious conflict can sometimes make the narrative challenging to follow.
The show pays homage to the success of shows such as Six the Musical, aiming for a similarly irreverent, feminist retelling of history. Yet condensing the complex politics and personalities of Mary Stuart’s era into ninety minutes leaves little room for nuance. With passion, energy and an original concept, Mary, Queen of Rock! thoroughly entertains the audience and rocks the house, but the fusion of the complexity of the history with a ninety-minute rock opera can lead to confusion.
Rocks the House
Mary, Queen of Rock! ran at the Underbelly – Cowbarn
Running time: Ninety minutes without interval