We often talk of people as being the ‘rock stars’ of their field. But what about the parallels between rock stars and historical royals? Mary, Queen Of Rock! invokes the metaphor of Mary Stuart as a rock star, not only in terms of her status, but to explore the coercion and misogyny that has always existed for women at the top of their game in the public eye. 

If that sounds quite heavy, the show is anything but. Think rock opera with a punk feminist vibe. A cast of four ladies-in-waiting, clad in fishnets and mini-kilts introduce Mary as the leader of their band. She’s returning for a homecoming tour after spending time in France. But wait, here comes dastardly cousin The Earl Of Moray brandishing a new music contract for Presbyterian Records, a scheming, power-hungry front headed up by bearded megalomaniac John Knox who is hellbent on manipulating Mary’s career. 

There are some brilliant on-theme send-ups of historical figures (vacuous pop princess Elizabeth, and smug indie boy Darnley for instance) and overall the story pulls together as a tight, wild ride through Scotland’s 16th-century history. The script is a bit pantomime-rough in places, and the sound balance definitely needs some tweaking to ensure the lyrics aren’t drowned out by the live band. But this company is young and exciting, the performances are fierce, and with the right development this has the potential to be a blockbuster. 

Mary, Queen Of Rock!, Assembly Rooms, until 25 August, 9.20pm.