Mary: A Gig Theatre Show

Aug 22 2025 | By Erin Frances Speirs More

★★★★☆ Ridiculously entertaining

Gilded Balloon Patter House (Venue 24): Thur 14 – Thur 21 Aug 2025
Review by Erin Frances Speirs.

Mary: A Gig Theatre Show at the Gilded Balloon Patter House for only one week is an entertaining hour of music and educational storytelling surrounding the life of Mary Queen of Scots and her ladies in waiting, all called Mary.

Produced by Knot Tied Theatre with Emma Ruse Productions, the show is set up like a gig, with each Mary having a key role in the band and playing instruments live, Mary: A Gig Theatre Show is a bad-ass performance you don’t want to end.

Mary: A Gig Theatre Show. Pic: Yid Whellans.

Told predominately by Mary herself, portrayed by Rona Roberts who also wrote the show, it follows her life from birth to death—albeit for brief moments, and therein lies the downfall of the production. Its hour-long run time is filled to the brink with songs, so the show cannot delve deep enough into the interesting moments of Mary’s life.

The music is fun, evocative, and lyrically intense in the best way. Exploring Mary’s life through metaphor and music is a dream for anyone aware of her history. For many Scots, this will come naturally having learnt about her either in school or through visiting historic sites.

However, the complex and enticing lyricism cannot always be heard due to the sound mix, leading to confusion for audiences less aware of the Queen’s history. Although, those who might not follow will still have a brilliant time enjoying this gig that combines punk, rock and folk music.

basement gig

The production design is a delight, a mix of rugs are laid out with a few tables and chairs giving off the aesthetic of a basement gig. The costumes match this grungy vibe, with aspects of tartan in everyone’s costume beside Izzie Atkinson’s who plays Queen Elizabeth. The costumes could be slightly more weathered, as their pristine appearance does not fit with the grungy aesthetic.

The musical talent of the group is phenomenal: Alli von Hirschberg playing Mary Livingston on guitar specifically shines, as well as Jodie Kirkwood on backing vocals, playing Mary Beaton and Lord Darnley . The harmonies throughout are beautiful and it is very easy to get lost in the gig energy.

Mary: A Gig Theatre Show. Pic: Yid Whellans.

Although Rona Roberts’ music is skilfully crafted, her performance as Mary Queen of Scots was often one note. As she has to carry the story on her shoulders, this took us even further away from the storytelling aspect of the show and more into the realm of it being a gig only.

Mary: A Gig Theatre Show is a brilliant hour of music that would benefit from a longer runtime to include details of the more fascinating aspects of Mary’s life, as well as more theatrical moments.

Running time: One hour (no interval).
Gilded Balloon Patter House (Other Yin), 3 Chambers St, EH1 1HT (Venue 24).
Thursday 14 – Thursday 21 August 2025.
Daily: 9pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
Book here on EdFest.com.*