Mary, Queen of Rock! is a musical by Pretty Knickers Productions being performed on the Cowbarn stage at the Underbelly, Bristo Square venue.
In 1561 Mary, the Queen of Rock, (Mhairi McCall) returns to Scotland, only to find that Presbyterian Records have taken her country by storm, and rock music has been outlawed due to the influence of John Knox (Cameron Banks). Despite the pushback of her manager and half-brother Moray (Cal Ferguson), Queen Mary continues to write and produce the rock music she loves with the help of her entourage the four Marys (Sarah Dingwall, Niamh Kinane, Rebecca Williamson and Tiana Milne-Wilson).
The soundtrack of Mary, Queen of Rock! is highly enjoyable, taking inspiration from the likes of Stevie Nicks and AC/DC. The live band on stage with the actors are brilliant – the five musicians all wear matching shirts with logos that match some of the cast, giving a sense of solidarity across the performers. The opening number did have some audio issues at first, making it hard to hear the four Marys as they sang, but these were sorted quickly enough that it did not impact the remainder of the show.
McCall’s performance shines with their rendition of ‘Trees’, one of the few slower songs, showing a more vulnerable side to Queen Mary, and the difference in their stage presence here compared to earlier on in ‘Rock ’n’ Roll Voice’, for example, show the range the performer possesses.
‘Loud Women’ is a phenomenal finale song for the show and ties in with how they approach the ending of Mary, Queen of Scots’ story to highlight the importance of remembering women’s history and a refusal to be forgotten.
Mary, Queen of Rock! is an incredibly unique, funny and energetic retelling of the well-known story of Mary, Queen of Scots, brought to life by a talented cast, crew and band. Beyond this, it leaves audiences with a powerful feminist message about how women in history are remembered.
