We all remember the teachers who made their mark on our developing selves, good or bad. For the impressionable Edinburgh pupils in Miss Brodie’s class at Marcia Blaine School For Girls, she is an exotic beacon of light, beaming hope, possibility and glamour into their lives. Or does she? Muriel Spark sprinkled the pages of her 1961 novel with many things, most frustratingly (and brilliantly) a sense of ambiguity. From the basic question of ‘is she a good teacher?’ right up to ‘is she an actual fascist?’, The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie encourages us to view its 1930s heroine through many lenses. And this new adaptation from National Theatre Of Scotland stays true to Spark’s aim.

Eschewing a classroom setting for arresting amphitheatre-style steps (softened by pale pink carpet), the stage is as bold and stylish as Brodie herself. An enormous lampshade hovers above, vintage in shape and material, but filled with space-age lighting rods. This dichotomy of eras is echoed by Brodie’s approach to life, which blends a love of Renaissance art with a ferociously modern outlook on women’s education and sexuality. Stepping into this vastly complex role with high heels and much aplomb is Gayle Rankin, a Hollywood and Broadway star born for the part. 

Before saying a single word, she is already fabulous, dressed to kill in Anna Orton’s remarkable costumes that journey from floating chiffon to jagged shoulders as the character evolves. Rankin’s capacity for acerbic wit quickly makes its mark, however, and from the first day of term onwards, we look forward to whatever comes out of her mouth next, knowing it will be gold. Such rapaciousness needs a foil, of course, and Maureen Beattie as starched headmistress Miss Mackay, Brian Ferguson as would-be suitor Gordon Lowther, and the rest of this strong ensemble cast bask in Rankin’s glow yet keep their own comic lights shining.

For a story so steeped in loss, regret, tragedy and longing, there’s a slight lack of gut-wrenching emotion to be found in David Harrower’s script or Vicky Featherstone’s direction (although perhaps this small missing piece in the jigsaw is most aptly attributed to Spark herself). But as innocent frolics slowly turn to sinister manipulation, inappropriate vicariousness, and bitter twisted logic, the play packs a punch in many other ways, and Gayle Rankin is a marvel throughout.

The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie, Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, until Sunday 18 October then touring until Saturday 7 November; picture: Mihaela Bodlovic.