Mary is first act of Union
New company Union Theatre announces first production
Union Theatre, a new Edinburgh-based independent theatre company operating in the amateur sphere, was launched on Friday 13 March 2026 when it announced that its first production will be the Scottish premiere of Mary, by Rona Munro.
Founded in the wake of the demise of Arkle Theatre Company (Arkle and Out), Union Theatre looks to continue Arkle’s spirit of collaboration, to create a diverse and lively fringe theatre community – 52 weeks of the year.
Union Theatre co-founders. Phil Barnes, Gregor McElvogue, Hannah Bradley Croall, John Lally and Rob Shields. Pic: Union Theatre.
Company founders Phil Barnes, Gregor McElvogue, Hannah Bradley Croall, John Lally and Rob Shields say that their mission is “to support Scotland-based artists at all stages of their career through the production of challenging, engaging and thoughtful theatre”.
Hannah Bradley Croall told Æ: “Union Theatre is born out of a dream to see a thriving Fringe theatre scene in Edinburgh year-round, and to begin to bridge the gap between amateur and professional.
“There’s a thriving performing arts community in Edinburgh already, but at times it can feel a little disparate. We hope that with Union Theatre we can begin to bring people together and support in the development of their own craft so they can take the next steps in their artistic journey.
inaugural production
“We’re so excited – and only a little bit nervous! – to announce our inaugural production.”
That production will be Mary, the sixth instalment of Rona Munro’s theatrical exploration of Scottish history in The James Plays and is inspired by a key event in the life of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Union Theatre Logo
Mary was first performed at London’s Hampstead Theatre in 2022. Union Theatre’s production will run at the Hill Street Theatre from Monday 15 to Saturday 20 June this year. Helmed by John Lally, it will be the play’s Scottish premiere.
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.
perspectives shift
A loyal courtier, a devout Protestant servant, and an ambitious opportunist clash over Mary’s motives and whether she was coerced or complicit in her marriage to Bothwell, the likely murderer of her husband Darnley. As perspectives shift, the drama explores modern themes of sexual violence, truth, and male complicity in female trauma.
The original James Plays were staged by the the National Theatre of Scotland, now Union Theatre is preparing to bring the thrilling conclusion the plays to Scotland. It is looking for a cast of three to bring the drama to life in a production at Hill Street Theatre in June 2026.
Auditions for the production will be held at the Greenbank Parish Church, Tuesday 24 March. Full details on Æ’s Auditions page and here.
Listing
Auditions for Rona Munro’s Mary
Greenback Parish Church, Braidburn Terrace, EH10 6ES
Tuesday 24 March 2026
Auditions from 7pm.
Queries & to book an audition spot: Email uniontheatreco@gmail.com.
Rona Munro’s Mary
Monday 15 – Saturday 20 June 2026
Times and ticket details tbc.
Union Theatre website: https://uniontheatre.co.uk.
Facebook: @uniontheatreco.
Instagram: @uniontheatreco.
ENDS
