Raw Material and Capital Theatres, in association with Aberdeen Performing Arts, have announced James VI: First and Last, the final instalment in Rona Munro’s acclaimed The James Plays series.
Written by Munro and directed by former National Theatre Artistic Director Rufus Norris, the new production will premiere at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre on 24 September 2027 before touring to Glasgow, Stirling, Inverness and Aberdeen.
The play brings to a close a theatrical journey that began in 2014, charting the lives of Scotland’s Stewart monarchs. This final chapter focuses on James VI, exploring the complex figure who united the crowns of Scotland and England while navigating political upheaval, religious conflict and personal turmoil.
The production also examines the influential women in James’s life and explores themes of identity, desire and power through a contemporary lens.
The announcement marks Rufus Norris’ directing debut in Scotland since relocating to Fife following his decade-long tenure as Artistic Director of the National Theatre.
Speaking about the production, Rona Munro said: “James VI: First and Last marks the end of a journey I began over ten years ago. I never really questioned my decision to commit a large chunk of my working life to this sprawling saga. Now looking back, I realise it could have been a very odd and foolhardy decision, given the scale of the stories and the precarious state of theatre over those ten years.
“That I’m excitedly and happily at the point where we’re planning production of the last in this series is possibly testament to my abiding enthusiasm for the history, but, probably more than that, to my luck in finding a series of brilliant collaborators, especially producers Raw Material who have been the main driving force keeping The James Plays going after the initial trilogy was produced.
“I’m aware that while we’ve retained loyal audiences over those ten years there will be others coming to these stories for the first time. I hope these new audiences will recognise and enjoy a self-contained drama which tells the story of one moment in history but also speaks to the moment in which we currently stand. If you have seen all The James Plays you will recognise and hopefully be satisfied by this conclusion of the story of Stewart monarchs in Scotland. If you are coming for the first time, no recap is necessary, no prior knowledge of the history is required. I hope you’ll be gripped by a vital and exciting story about a tortured king, a divided nation, and much more that made our Scotland, today.”
Rufus Norris added: “Firstly, I am delighted to be directing Rona’s wonderful play, and to have the opportunity to collaborate with such a terrific writer.
“I have been a huge fan of this extraordinary series which have, for me, redefined what a history play can feel like. Rona’s ability to frame the historical events of many centuries ago in a way that makes them feel immediate, contemporary and utterly resonant is masterful, and to be a part of this seminal opus is a gift. It is particularly so, for me, on James VI.
“The play is rich on many levels, bringing a psychological and dramatic insight into this complex, flawed leader in a way that feels deeply pertinent to the age we are living through. My own lifelong fascination with history has been naturally focused on England, and to breathe theatrical life into a story that touches both nations is a challenge I look forward to enormously. I have recently moved to Scotland, and to be a part of the theatre community here is a privilege I will relish.”
Executive Producers at Raw Material, Margaret-Anne O’Donnell and Gill Garrity, described the production as “a bold, prescient play” and praised Norris as “an appropriately momentous artist” to direct the culmination of the series.
The production is supported by the Creative Scotland Touring Fund and Chris Grace Harkness. Casting is yet to be announced, with the full company expected to be revealed in early 2027.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
