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Historic image of Mary Queen of Scots cropped at the head.

A Citizens Theatre production

Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off

Written by Liz Lochhead

Event details

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‘Once upon a time, there were twa queens on the wan green island, and the wan green island was split inty twa kingdoms. But no equal kingdoms . . .’ 

Celebrating the richly poetic Scots language, Liz Lochhead’s mighty text explores the deadly rivalry between two of history’s most fascinating women: Scotland’s glamorous 16th century queen, Mary and her calculating English cousin and fellow ruler, Elizabeth I.   

Heaving with theatricality and gallus wit, Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off weaves political relevance with fairytale storytelling. 40 years since it first premiered, this major new production directed by Finn den Hertog brings the Scottish classic to a new generation of audiences.  

Theatre Pass and Supporters priority booking
10am Wed 05 August 2026

General sale
10am Wed 12 August 2026

Citizens Theatre - Main Theatre

13 Feb - 06 Mar

TBC

£14 - £43.50

Age recommendation
12+

Fees
Booking fee: £1.50 per transaction
More about our fees

Discounts
Save up to 20% with Individual and Joint Theatre Passes
Save 50% with our Lucky Dip tickets
Access, Gorbals, Under 30s and Low Income passes apply
More about our discounts

Event details

Page Navigation

‘Once upon a time, there were twa queens on the wan green island, and the wan green island was split inty twa kingdoms. But no equal kingdoms . . .’ 

Celebrating the richly poetic Scots language, Liz Lochhead’s mighty text explores the deadly rivalry between two of history’s most fascinating women: Scotland’s glamorous 16th century queen, Mary and her calculating English cousin and fellow ruler, Elizabeth I.   

Heaving with theatricality and gallus wit, Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off weaves political relevance with fairytale storytelling. 40 years since it first premiered, this major new production directed by Finn den Hertog brings the Scottish classic to a new generation of audiences.  

Theatre Pass and Supporters priority booking
10am Wed 05 August 2026

General sale
10am Wed 12 August 2026

Citizens Theatre - Main Theatre

13 Feb - 06 Mar

TBC

£14 - £43.50

Age recommendation
12+

Fees
Booking fee: £1.50 per transaction
More about our fees

Discounts
Save up to 20% with Individual and Joint Theatre Passes
Save 50% with our Lucky Dip tickets
Access, Gorbals, Under 30s and Low Income passes apply
More about our discounts

Cast

To be announced

Creative Team

Director Finn Den Hertog

Accessible Performances

BSL
Thu 25 Feb, 7.30pm

Audio Described and Captioned
Sat 27 Feb, 2pm

 

Access Pass

Our Access Pass discount is available on this production. It provides 50% off full-price tickets, plus a free essential companion ticket if required, for Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent audience members.

More information about Access bookings

Auditorium Space

This show takes place in our Main Theatre.

We have 6 wheelchair user positions available in the stalls seating area. At Circle level, there is level access to Row C and 2 wheelchair user positions are available. At Upper Circle Level, there are 9 steps up and 4 steps down to the seating.

Hearing aid induction loops are available.

Venue Information

Level access is available from the street, through the Courtyard and into the Main Theatre. The Courtyard Lift provides access to each level of the auditorium, and the Close Lift provides access to the Circle level of the Main Theatre.

We have a small car park with four blue badge spaces within the car park.

More access information is available in our Visit section

Schedule

Citizens Theatre - Main Theatre