Scottish Ballet to premiere ‘Mary, Queen of Scots’ at Lincoln Center

Scottish Ballet will bring its acclaimed production of Mary, Queen of Scots to New York for the first time June 4–7 at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. The ballet follows its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Festival and U.S. premiere at Spoleto Festival USA in May.

Told through the eyes of Queen Elizabeth I, the narrative explores her imagined and historical relationship with Mary, Queen of Scots, revisiting the final hours of Elizabeth’s life. The production blends historical record with creative interpretation to highlight the women’s intelligence, ambition, and resilience, exploring the personal cost of power and authority.

“This story is iconic and part of our heritage in Scotland,” said Scottish Ballet CEO and Artistic Director Christopher Hampson. “Sophie Laplane’s take on the Mary/Elizabeth relationship is incredibly fresh — there’s a real playfulness in the way she’s working with the story and the characters.”

Choreographed by Scottish Ballet Choreographer in Residence Sophie Laplane in her first full-length narrative work, the production was created with director James Bonas and features sets and costumes by Soutra Gilmour. The original score, composed by Mikael Karlsson and Michael P. Atkinson, will be performed live by the New York City Ballet Orchestra.

The production was supported by the Bently Foundation and patrons of the Five in Five Campaign, marking the company’s fifth and final new full-length ballet in the series. Tickets start at $45 and are available at davidhkochtheater.com.

Founded in 1969, Scottish Ballet is Scotland’s national dance company and performs throughout the UK and internationally, presenting both reimagined classics and new commissions under Hampson’s leadership.