Mary, Queen of Rock
★★★☆☆ Energetic
Underbelly, Bristo Square: Thurs 31 Jul – Sun 24 Aug
Review by Flora Henderson
Returning for a second Fringe run, Mary, Queen of Rock from Pretty Knickers Productions and directed by Jo Rush is on every night of the Fringe in the Cowbarn at Underbelly, Bristo Square.
This new rock musical is undeniably fun, featuring great vocals, tight movement, and head-banging tunes. Written by Cal Ferguson, Lewis Lauder and Mhairi McCall, the show spans the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, from her arrival on Scottish soil as a new queen, to her infamous grisly end.
However, there is one key twist – Mary is a rock star, with knee-high boots and mesh complementing her tartan two-piece.
5 Niamh Kinane, Tiana Milne-Wilson, Mhairi McCall, Rebecca Williamson and Sarah Dingwall. Pic: Mihaela Bodlovic.
Mhairi McCall is engaging as Mary, Queen of Rock, finding the necessary human touch in her portrayal of this well-known Queen. She demonstrates vocal prowess, although, contrary to the character’s claim to have a “rock and roll voice”, the slower, emotional ballads are where her talent really shines through.
Re-imagining the religious tension of the Reformation, Mary’s rock label, Catholic Cassettes, goes head-to-head with John Knox’s (Cameron Banks) Presbyterian Records. This extended metaphor is clearly established, but weakened by the fact that it doesn’t replace the real history – instead, the two run alongside each other in a mix of fact and fiction that muddies the show’s intention.
upbeat hits and stripped back ballads
The stage is bare – in keeping with the style, a 5-piece rock band replaces any set or scenery. Evie Alberti (piano/guitar), Laura Cross (violin), Ethan James (drums), Aidan Kavanagh (bass), and Lewis Lauder (guitar) work well together to support the range of upbeat hits and stripped back ballads.
Cal Ferguson with Niamh Kinane and Cameron Banks. Pic: Mihaela Bodlovic.
The addition of the violin, not a common feature of rock music, reinforces the Scottish setting through its folk feel. Expertly engineered by Azariah Felton, the levels are consistently balanced, meaning that the music accompanies, rather than overpowers, the actors’ performances.
The Queen is supported by the four Maries who were her companions throughout her reign. Sarah Dingwall (Mary Beaton), Niamh Kinane (Mary Livingston), Tiana Milne-Wilson (Mary Seton), and Rebecca Williamson (Mary Fleming) form a solid quartet – each have strong individual voices, but they blend these well to create close-knit harmonies.
posh-boy R
Along with Cal Ferguson (Moray/Cecil) and Cameron Banks (John Knox/Rizzio/Plonker/King James), the ensemble multi-role the other figures who influenced Mary’s life. These portrayals are generally heightened, and whilst this fits with the show’s style, some of them undoubtedly slip into caricature.
The ‘bad boy’ Darnley (Sarah Dingwall) and ‘Queen of Pop’ Elizabeth I (Rebecca Williamson) both sport rather confused Southern English accents, with Darnley’s in particular wavering from poorly disguised Scottish, through Estuary English, to posh-boy RP.
Rebecca Williamson. Pic: Mihaela Bodlovic.
That being said, this doesn’t take away from the more realistic and nuanced emotion demonstrated in McCall’s portrayal of the final years of Mary’s life. After the walls of her brother’s multi-layered conspiracy close around her, she struggles with the reality of losing contact with her son, as she is exiled to England to live in Elizabeth’s shadow.
well-staged, entertaining, and powerful
The piece’s ‘girl power’ ending only strengthens the clear similarity to the West End musical SIX – whilst this doesn’t necessarily take away from the show’s own merit, it does dampen its conceptual originality.
However, the overall high quality of the actors, musicians, and technological support leads to a show that is well-staged, entertaining, and powerful.
Running time: One hour and 30 minutes (no interval).
Underbelly, Bristo Square (Cow Barn), Teviot Place EH8 9AG (Venue 302).
Fri 1 – Sun 24 August 2025.
Daily (not Weds): 7.45pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
Book here on EdFest.com.*
*affiliate link.
Facebook: @prettyknickersproductions
Instagram: @prettyknickersproductions
TikTok: @maryqueenofrock
Linktree: @prettyknickersproductions
X: @pretty_knickers
Tiana Milne-Wilson, Rebecca Williamson, Sarah Dingwall and Niamh Kinane. Pic: Mihaela Bodlovic.
ENDS
