Lochhead's Mary

Liz Lochhead’s Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off is one of the most iconic plays in modern Scottish theatre. Written with wit, bite, and poetry, it explores power, gender, and identity through the fraught relationship between Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I.

This special event brings the play to life through archive and discussion, featuring Hannah Lavery, poet, playwright, and former Edinburgh Makar, known for exploring voice, belonging and womanhood in contemporary Scotland, and Gerry Mulgrew, Artistic Director of Communicado Theatre, and a freelance director and actor who directed and starred in the original production of Mary Queen of Scots got her head chopped off in 1987.

The discussion will be chaired by Kenny Boyle, actor, writer, and performer, who brings insight from across theatre, screen, and poetry to reflect on Lochhead’s enduring influence on Scottish writing and identity.

The event also includes archival footage from the National Library of Scotland, bringing Liz Lochhead’s own voice into the room as part of the conversation.

Together, the speakers will celebrate Lochhead’s extraordinary play and consider how it continues to challenge and inspire audiences today.