Mary, Queen of Scots (Maria Stuarda)

Olivier Award-winning OperaUpClose presents a new English version of Donizetti’s Mary, Queen of Scots (Maria Stuarda). Two 16th century Queens go head-to-head in this historical tragedy, culminating in a fictitious meeting between the rival cousins, which sizzles with vocal fireworks.

Olivier Award-winning OperaUpClose presents a new English version of Donizetti’s Mary, Queen of Scots (Maria Stuarda).

Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I go head-to-head in this historical tragedy. Donizetti’s riveting opera provides an insight both into a compelling period of British history and current tensions, and culminates in a fictitious meeting between the two rival Tudor Queens, which sizzles with vocal fireworks.

Donizetti’s powerful melodies will be performed in a new orchestration by Paul McKenzie for six singers, accompanied by piano, clarinet and violin. Mary, Queen of Scots will tour as a fully-staged production to unique and evocative venues across the UK, some with direct links to the two Queens. Discover a new angle on one of the most popular periods of British history through this thrilling production.

Cast/Creative Team

ORCHESTRATOR & MUSICAL DIRECTOR Paul McKenzie

LIBRETTIST & DIRECTOR Robin Norton-Hale

SET & COSTUME DESIGNER Kate Lane

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Sasha Amaya

MARY STUART Flora McIntosh

QUEEN ELIZABETH Philippa Boyle

EARL OF LEICESTER Cliff Zammit Stevens

LORD CECIL Jan Capinski

LORD TALBOT Julian Debreuil

ANNA Emma Watkinson

VIOLIN Stefano d’Ermenegildo

CLARINET Sarah Douglas