Details

Bold and irreverent storytelling explores the complex character of this colourful Stewart king - a poet, a lover, a law-maker but also the product of a harsh political system. James I of Scotland was captured when he was only 13 and became King of Scots in an English prison. 18 years later he's finally delivered back home with a ransom on his head and a new English bride. He's returning to a poor nation, the royal coffers are empty and his nobles are a pack of wolves ready to tear him apart at the first sign of weakness. But James has his own ideas about how to be a king and, after 18 years, he finally has the chance to realise them. James is determined to bring the rule of law to a land riven by warring families, but that struggle will force him to make terrible choices if he is to save himself, his Queen and the crown.

Cast/Performers

James McArdle (James I), Blythe Duff (Isabella), Cameron Barnes, Daniel Cahill, Ali Craig, Blythe Duff, Nick Elliott, Peter Forbes, Andrew Fraser, Sarah Higgins, Cordon Kennedy, David Mara, Beth Marshall, James McArdle, Aly Macrae, Rona Morison, Andrew Rothney, Mark Rowley, Jamie Sives, Fiona Wood

Creatives/Company

Author: Rona Munro
Presented by(s): National Theatre of Scotland, Edinburgh International Festival, National Theatre of Great Britain
Director(s): Laurie Sansom, Neil Bettles (movement), Mervyn Millar (puppet), Amanda Gaughan (associate director)
Design: Jon Bausor
Lighting: Philip Gladwell
Sound(s): Christopher Shutt, Nick Sagar