Mary: A Gig Theatre Show
★★★☆☆ heartfelt
theSpace@Symposium Hall (Venue 43): Mon 12 – Sat 17 Aug 2024
Review by Cyril Langston
A blend of spoken word poetry and original songs, Mary: A Gig Theatre Show is a feminist retelling of the life of Mary, Queen of Scots. With an atmosphere like an indie music gig, this is casual, friendly, welcoming and a loving ode to a misunderstood monarch.
The story of Mary’s life is told through folk-rock songs, poetry and monologues. Performer Rona Johnston sings, plays guitar, and guides the audience from Mary’s birth to her death. The band members double as Mary’s ladies-in-waiting, with Laura Coull as Mary Seaton (bass and drums), Alli von Hirschberg as Mary Livingston (lead guitar), Hester Irving as Mary Fleming (violin), Jodie Kirkwood as Mary Beaton and Lord Darnley (vocals), and Izzie Atkinson as Elizabeth I (vocals).
Mary A Gig Theatre Show. Pic: Knot Tied
The music is fun and full of feeling, a wonderful mix of informative and emotional. Each of the cast members is talented and they work great as a group. The delivery of the story is unique and refreshing; neither a serious history lesson nor a musical bid for the West End, it is boldly itself.
Mary’s narrative is secondary to the music – the heavy tone of the poetry makes an odd contrast with the mostly upbeat, fun, girl group-style songs. The poetic narrative sometimes feels a bit out of place, stopping the momentum of the fun music in its tracks.
Some sound mixing issues made it difficult to tell if the mics were off or if the vocals were lacking power. The very likeable and charming cast of actor-musicians make up for it though, with all of them looking like they’re having the most fun in the world performing together to tell this story.
earnest and simple
The show is most successful when it is being earnest and simple, letting the talent of the cast and the story speak for themselves. The poetic descriptions of Mary’s life wouldn’t be missed if this was presented as a full concert experience with more songs and more opportunities for the band to show off the endearing rapport they’ve built.
Really good moments make this a charming show with lots of heart, and small refinements to the pacing and tone will make it exceptional. With a talented cast full of chemistry and heart, this is one to watch – it has the makings of a cult classic.
Running time: 50 minutes (no interval)
theSpace@Symposium Hall (Annexe), aHill Square, EH8 9DR (Venue 43)
Monday 12 – Saturday 17 August 2024
Daily: 10.25 pm
Details and tickets at: Book here
Website: https://knottiedtheatre.mystrikingly.com
Instagram: @mary_gigtheatre
X: @mary_gigtheatre
Linktree: @marygigtheatreshow
ENDS
