A HAMPSTEAD THEATRE WORLD PREMIERE

MARY

By RONA MUNRO
Directed by ROXANA SILBERT

Running time: 1 hour and 30 minutes without an interval

She made some very poor decisions. You tried to warn her. You love her yet, and that’s a credit to you, but you need to think about what’s best for Scotland…

Main Stage

21 Oct - 26 Nov 2022

Box Office: 020 7722 9301

Details

'An engaging production and an arresting way to stage the downfall of a contested figure in Stuart history' The Guardian

'Douglas Henshall, star of the TV series Shetland, is superb as the haughty, dyspeptic courtier forced to defend himself and his queen under interrogation' The Times 

'Munro’s short, keenly focused script is fiercely relevant' The Stage

'Brilliant depiction of political persuasion' Time Out 

'An excellently taut and satisfying account of intrigue and betrayal' The Arts Desk

‘A superb staging by Roxana Silbert’ | The Arts Desk


It’s 1567. Meet James Melville, an intelligent, charismatic and skilled diplomat who is also one of the most loyal servants of Mary Stuart, the troubled Queen of Scots.  It’s a time of political turmoil and the shocking crimes he has witnessed have shaken him. Now he needs to decide who’s guilty, who’s innocent, and who is too dangerous to accuse.


Change is coming, but at what price?

Rona Munro’s new political thriller marks her welcome return to Hampstead after her successes with Bold Girls (1991), The Maiden Stone (1995), Snake (1999), Little Eagles (2011) and Donny’s Brain (2012). Famous for her work on Doctor Who as well as her writing for film, TV and radio, Mary is a standalone play but also a companion piece to The James Plays cycle (James I, II, and III, National Theatre of Scotland and National Theatre; James IV, Raw Material and Capital Theatres in association with National Theatre of Scotland), winner of the Evening Standard and Writers’ Guild of Great Britain Awards in 2014.

Roxana Silbert, Hampstead’s Artistic Director (The Haystack, 'night, Mother, The Fever Syndrome, Folk) reunites with Munro, having previously directed her plays Iron (Royal Court) and Little Eagles (Hampstead).

Douglas Henshall, star of BBC’s Shetland, last seen at Hampstead in 2012 as Oliver Cromwell in 55 Days, returns to play Melville. His theatre work includes Network (National Theatre); Betrayal (Comedy) and The Cryptogram (Donmar). For film and television, Shetland (series 1-7); The Small Hand; Outlander; Hotel Taliban and Primeval (3 Series).

Rona Morison also stars. Her theatre work includes The Haystack (Hampstead Theatre); The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (Donmar); The James Plays (National Theatre) and To Kill a
Mockingbird (Regent’s Park). For film and television, Our Ladies; Solo: A Star Wars StoryThe Control Room and Absentia.

Brian Vernel also stars. His theatre work includes Stories (National Theatre); The Seagull (Lyric Hammersmith) and Four Parts Broken (National Theatre of Scotland/Traverse Theatre/
Oran Mor). His Film and TV work includes Dunkirk; Star Wars: The Force Awakens; Gangs of London (Series 1 & 2); Collateral; The Tunnel and Dr Who.


Our promise to you

In the event of Mary being postponed, you can choose between a full refund or credit to be used for any show at Hampstead.

As always, our audience, company and staff are our top priority. For more information about how we’re keeping you safe, please click here.


We present entertaining and original theatre, and we want you to have the best experience possible. We understand that, as part of this, some audience members may appreciate additional guidance on the content of our plays. Click here for more information.


Please note that for performances of Mary, latecomers will not be permitted to enter the auditorium and there will be no readmissions once the show has started. Please ensure you arrive on time. 

Twitter2 

 

 

 

Cast

Artistic team

WRITER

RONA MUNRO

DIRECTOR

ROXANA SILBERT

DESIGNER

ASHLEY MARTIN-DAVIS

LIGHTING

MATT HASKINS

COMPOSER AND SOUND

NICK POWELL

MOVEMENT

AYSE TASHKIRAN

CASTING

HELENA PALMER CDG

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

MARLIE HACO

 

COMPANY STAGE MANAGER

DAVID PALMER

DEPUTY STAGE MANAGER

JULIET HAGUE

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

OLIVIA WOLFENDEN

Cast

News

BBC RADIO 4'S FRONT ROW INTERVIEWS RONA MUNRO

Posted on 5 October 2022

Rona Munro spoke to BBC Radio 4's Front Row about her play Mary which opens 21 October on the Main Stage.

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR MARY AND BLACKOUT SONGS

Posted on 16 September 2022

The world premiere of Rona Munro’s new political thriller Mary, directed by Hampstead Theatre’s Artistic Director, Roxana Silbert will feature:

HAMPSTEAD THEATRE ANNOUNCES FOUR WORLD PREMIERES FOR AUTUMN 2022 BY RICHARD EYRE, RONA MUNRO, GEORGINA BURNS & JOE WHITE

Posted on 6 July 2022

Hampstead Theatre announces four World Premieres for Autumn 2022: Richard Eyre's The Snail House, Rona Munro's Mary, Georgina Burns' Ravenscourt and Joe White's Blackout Songs.

Tickets

Previews, Mondays and matinees
Full Price: £10/£18/£27/£32.50
Under 30s/Students: £10/£15
Emergency Services/NHS Workers: £10
Seniors*: (matinees only): £20/£25
Groups: For every 9 tickets get the 10th free
Access: £16

*Ages 60+

Tuesday – Saturday evenings
Full price: £10/£18/£25/£32/£39.50
Under 30s/Students: £10/£15
Emergency Services/NHS Workers: £10
Groups: For every 9 tickets get the 10th free
Access: £17.50

All prices are subject to change. Book early for the best price.

Content Warnings

CONTENT WARNINGS - MARY

The play contains haze, blood, violence, strong language and references to rape. 
 

Please note that our content warnings evolve as the production does throughout rehearsal and previews, so there may be changes made between booking and attending the theatre. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about specific themes or concerns, please call the Box Office on 020 7722 9301 or email boxoffice@hampsteadtheatre.com

Video and Image Gallery

DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE), RONA MORISON (AGNES) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE), RONA MORISON (AGNES) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON)Photo by Manuel Harlan
BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) & RONA MORISON (AGNES) Photo by Manuel Harlan BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) & RONA MORISON (AGNES)Photo by Manuel Harlan
RONA MORISON (AGNES), DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) Photo by Manuel Harlan RONA MORISON (AGNES), DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON)Photo by Manuel Harlan
DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE)Photo by Manuel Harlan
BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) Photo by Manuel Harlan BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON)Photo by Manuel Harlan
BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) Photo by Manuel Harlan BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON)Photo by Manuel Harlan
DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON)Photo by Manuel Harlan
RONA MORISON (AGNES) Photo by Manuel Harlan RONA MORISON (AGNES)Photo by Manuel Harlan
DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON)Photo by Manuel Harlan
DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & RONA MORISON (AGNES) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & RONA MORISON (AGNES)Photo by Manuel Harlan
RONA MORISON (AGNES) Photo by Manuel Harlan RONA MORISON (AGNES)Photo by Manuel Harlan
DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & RONA MORISON (AGNES) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & RONA MORISON (AGNES)Photo by Manuel Harlan
BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) & DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) Photo by Manuel Harlan BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) & DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) Photo by Manuel Harlan
RONA MUNRO (WRITER) Photo by Manuel Harlan RONA MUNRO (WRITER)Photo by Manuel Harlan
BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) Photo by Manuel Harlan BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) Photo by Manuel Harlan
RONA MUNRO (WRITER) & ROXANA SILBERT (DIRECTOR) Photo by Manuel Harlan RONA MUNRO (WRITER) & ROXANA SILBERT (DIRECTOR)Photo by Manuel Harlan
DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) Photo by Manuel Harlan
BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) Photo by Manuel Harlan BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON)Photo by Manuel Harlan
DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE)Photo by Manuel Harlan
DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON)Photo by Manuel Harlan
DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON)Photo by Manuel Harlan
DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE)Photo by Manuel Harlan
ROXANA SILBERT (DIRECTOR) Photo by Manuel Harlan ROXANA SILBERT (DIRECTOR)Photo by Manuel Harlan
RONA MORISON (AGNES) Photo by Manuel Harlan RONA MORISON (AGNES)Photo by Manuel Harlan
DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & RONA MORISON (AGNES) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & RONA MORISON (AGNES)Photo by Manuel Harlan
RONA MORISON (AGNES) Photo by Manuel Harlan RONA MORISON (AGNES)Photo by Manuel Harlan
RONA MORISON (AGNES) & DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) Photo by Manuel Harlan RONA MORISON (AGNES) & DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE)Photo by Manuel Harlan
RONA MUNRO (WRITER) Photo by Manuel Harlan RONA MUNRO (WRITER)Photo by Manuel Harlan
DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & RONA MORISON (AGNES) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & RONA MORISON (AGNES)Photo by Manuel Harlan
RONA MUNRO (WRITER) & ROXANA SILBERT (DIRECTOR) Photo by Manuel Harlan RONA MUNRO (WRITER) & ROXANA SILBERT (DIRECTOR)Photo by Manuel Harlan
MARLIE HACO (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) Photo by Manuel Harlan MARLIE HACO (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR)Photo by Manuel Harlan
RONA MORISON (AGNES) Photo by Manuel Harlan RONA MORISON (AGNES)Photo by Manuel Harlan
DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE), BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON), RONA MUNRO (WRITER) & RONA MORISON (AGNES) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE), BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON), RONA MUNRO (WRITER) & RONA MORISON (AGNES) Photo by Manuel Harlan
RONA MORISON (AGNES) Photo by Manuel Harlan RONA MORISON (AGNES)Photo by Manuel Harlan
RONA MUNRO (WRITER) & ROXANA SILBERT (DIRECTOR) Photo by Manuel Harlan RONA MUNRO (WRITER) & ROXANA SILBERT (DIRECTOR)Photo by Manuel Harlan
DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON)Photo by Manuel Harlan
DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON) Photo by Manuel Harlan DOUGLAS HENSHALL (JAMES MELVILLE) & BRIAN VERNEL (THOMPSON)Photo by Manuel Harlan

KEEPING YOU SAFE AT HAMPSTEAD

1 Social Distanced 1

RESPECT PERSONAL SPACE

2 MASKS REQUIRED 1

FACE MASKS ENCOURAGED

4 STATE OF THE ART VENTILATION 1

STATE OF THE ART VENTILATION

5 ENHANCED CLEANING 1

ENHANCED CLEANING

7 CONTACTLESS TICKETS 1

CONTACTLESS TICKETS

8 HAND SANITIZING STATIONS 2

HAND SANITISING STATIONS

9 CASHLESS PAYMENT 1

CASHLESS PAYMENT