Mary is an explosive political thriller, the sixth instalment of Rona Munro’s theatrical exploration of Scottish history The James Plays and is inspired by a key event in the life of Mary, Queen of Scots.

The play is set in Edinburgh in 1567. Just three months after the murder of her second husband Lord Darnley, the Queen is set to marry the devious and dangerous Earl of Bothwell. It’s an unpopular match with the Scottish lords and public and no one is clear if Mary is implicated in the murder of Darnley or if the relationship with Bothwell is forged out of passion, political desperation, or forceful coercion.

Three characters argue for and against the Queen’s actions. James Melville, the Scottish diplomat, memoir writer and loyal courtier to the Queen is shaken to the core by what he has recently witnessed in the court. He is convinced that Mary has been raped and coerced. Agnes, a domestic servant and devout Protestant, has little to say for Mary, condemning her as Bothwell’s consenting partner. Thomson is the coming man, initially bloodied by Bothwell’s thugs, he quickly learns that this time of turmoil in politics and society provides the chance to climb to the top of the new political order.

As these three examine Mary’s relationship with Bothwell from every angle, their positions shift. The actual and apparent truth collide, and this is where the play has modern relevance; examining why bad things happen to women and why good men stand by and let it happen. So has a woman been raped if she takes the blame of the trauma on herself? If she says she has been, should she be believed? And, once the truth is known, what should be done with that information, if anything?

James Melville (Male 30-60)
A career courtier from a noble family with a patrician bearing. At the outset he is sure of his power and status and fierce in defence of the Queen. As the play progresses he is compelled to compromise his principles and face a life of regret. Aged 32 at the time of the play, he would have been considered ‘middle aged’; the important thing therefore is his age relative to the other characters.

John Thomson (Male 18-30)
A young man looking to make his mark in new realities of post-Reformation Scotland. He sees Melville as the old guard to be swept aside and understands the militance of Protestantism, which Agnes represents, as a vehicle for his ambition. Outwardly naïve at first, his self interest and cynicism come to the fore as the play unfolds.

Agnes Turnbull (Female 18-30)
Born to a family of domestic servants to the royal household, Agnes has embraced the Reformation as a vehicle for long needed social change and equality. She’s a zealot – a street corner preacher for the new order – and in the play she is the voice of the people of Scotland, as well as the voice of women who are kept down and wronged by powerful men.

A note on accents: The play is not written in the Scots language, but does use Scots pronunciation, therefore all three characters require a Scottish accent.

Auditions will be held with director John Lally on Tuesday 24 March at Greenback Parish Church. To register your interest and receive audition sides, please email us. We are also happy to see people on the day and you won’t be asked to prepare anything in advance.

Directed by John Lally
Lighting Design Rob Shields
Sound Design Craig Robertson

We are looking for a Stage Manager to support the director in the rehearsal room and during the run, as well as anybody who would like to assist with prop and costume acquisition. In addition, we are happy for anyone interested in developing their production skills to join Union Theatre’s technical team for this production. If you are interested in joining the production team in any capacity, please email us.