The James Plays

About

Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 June 2016

In June 2016 the National Theatre of Scotland and the National Theatre bring their acclaimed trilogy of The James Plays - offering audiences the chance to experience all three plays over one weekend.

Exhilarating and vividly imagined, The James Plays bring to life three generations of Stewart kings who ruled Scotland from 1406 -1488.

James I: The Key Will Keep The Lock
By Rona Munro
Directed by Laurie Sansom
Prisoner of England for 18 years, James is delivered back to his homeland, with an English bride, to reign as James I of Scotland. Returning to a troubled nation, he faces terrible choices if he is to save himself, his Queen and the crown.

Please note this performance contains strong language, violent scenes , brief nudity and is not suitable for children. An age guide of 14+ is suggested. Running time - approx 2 hrs 30 mins, including one 20 minute interval.

James II: Day of the Innocents
By Rona Munro
Directed by Laurie Sansom
Crowned King at aged six, James II is a puppet in a vicious game between Scotland's most powerful families. As he approaches adulthood, James must fight for his crown while the nightmares of his childhood torment him.

Please note this performance contains strong language, flashing and strobe lighting and violent scenes and is not suitable for children. An age guide of 14+ is suggested. Running time - approx 2 hrs 22 mins, including one 20 minute interval.

James III: The True Mirror
By Rona Munro
Directed by Laurie Sansom
Charismatic, cultured, and obsessed with grand gestures, James III is loved and loathed by his nation. Scotland's future may lie with his resourceful and resilient wife, Margaret of Denmark. Can she rescue a struggling nation?

Please note this performance contains strong language, violent scenes, nudity and is not suitable for children. An age guide of 14+ is suggested. Running time - approx 2 hrs 30 mins, including one 20 minute interval.

Casting Information

James I - The Key Will Keep The Lock
Cast in order of speaking
Balvenie, of the Douglas family PETER FORBES
Walter Stewart ANDREW ROTHNEY
Alisdair Stewart DANIEL CAHILL
Big James Stewart ALI CRAIG
Henry V, King of England MATTHEW PIDGEON
James I, King of Scots STEVEN MILLER
Joan, an English noblewoman ROSEMARY BOYLE
Meg, a lady of the Scottish court SALLY REID
Isabella Stewart, Regent Consort BLYTHE DUFF
Murdac Stewart, Regent of Scotland JOHN STAHL

All other parts played by members of the Ensemble
Ensemble NICK ELLIOTT
ANDREW FRASER
DANI HERON
BRIAN JAMES
SIAN MANNIFIELD
DAVID MARA
CALUM MORRISON
ANDREW STILL
FIONA WOOD

James II - Day Of The Innocents
CastIn order of speaking
Meg, a Lady of the Scottish court SALLY REID
William Douglas, Balvenie's son ANDREW STILL   
James 2, King of Scots ANDREW ROTHNEY
Joan, mother to James II, King of Scots ROSEMARY BOYLE
John Stewart NICK ELLIOTT
Isabella Stewart, Regent Consort BLYTHE DUFF
Annabella, the king's sister DANI HERON
Livingston, Earl & Keeper of Stirling Castle John Stahl
Crichton, Earl & Keeper of Edinburgh Castle DAVID MARA
Balvenie, of the Douglas family PETER FORBES
Earl of Douglas Daniel Cahill
David Douglas, the Earl's younger brother Andrew Fraser
Mary, wife of James 2 ROSEMARY BOYLE

All other parts played by members of the Ensemble
Ensemble ALI CRAIG
BRIAN JAMES
SIAN MANNIFIELD
STEVEN MILLER
CALUM MORRISON
FIONA WOOD           

James III - The True Mirror
Cast in order of speaking
Daisy, a laundress FIONA WOOD
James III, King of Scots MATTHEW PIDGEON
Cochrane, a lord of the court ANDREW ROTHNEY
Margaret, Queen of Scots MALIN CREPIN
John, Head of the Privy Council ALI CRAIG
Bishop DAVID MARA
Sandy, the king's younger brother STEVEN MILLER
Jamie, eldest son of James and Margaret DANIEL CAHILL
Ross, their next son ANDREW STILL
Phemy, a lady of the court DANI HERON
Ramsay, the king's personal servant ANDREW FRASER
Annabella, the king's aunt BLYTHE DUFF
Joan's Ghost ROSEMARY BOYLE
Meg's Ghost SALLY REID
Tam, a member of the household BRIAN JAMES

All other parts played by members of the Ensemble
Ensemble NICK ELLIOTT
SIAN MANNIFIELD
CALUM MORRISON