The James Plays reviews – 'an astonishing achievement'
An enchanting trilogy illuminates the reigns of three little-known Scottish monarchs
What you need to know
Rona Munro's new trilogy of plays covers the little-known reigns of the first three James Stewarts, who ruled Scotland in the middle of the tumultuous 15th century.
Each of the plays, directed by Laurie Sansom, runs for two-and-a-half hours. In this time of campaigning for Scottish independence, the productions mark the first collaboration between the National Theatre of Scotland and the National Theatre of Great Britain.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The individual plays are performed at Edinburgh Festival Theatre on various dates until 22 August, with all three performed in one day on 16, 17 and 20 August. The shows transfer to the National Theatre, London SE1 from 10 September.
What the critics like
"The script is the star", says Charlotte Runcie of the Daily Telegraph, and Munro's deft writing allows the plays to "capture something elusive about Scottishness: that potent mix of individual spirit, darkness, alcohol and loyalty that can seem so foreign to the rest of Britain". It is more than a reaction to the referendum, they are "an astonishing dramatic achievement".
Others praise the cast, and Michael Coveney of Whats On Stage sings the praises of a "fine company of actors, all three kings outstanding, Sophie Grabol enchanting, and big ballsy performances from Blythe Duff as Queen Isabella and Sarah Higgins as Meg".
The plays serve up plenty of "food for thought" says Anna Burnside of The Independent, addressing issues of "politics, national identity, the strength of family ties, the desirability of having every waking moment accompanied by a madrigal", which make the productions "chewy and utterly delicious".
What they don't like
The second play has been identified as the weakest of the bunch. Variety's Mark Fisher complains that the production "fails to find coherence in the fragmented and ill-defined second play", while Dominic Maxwell in The Times says the second story "suffers from a confusing, fussily staged first half bogged down by too much information, puppetry that jars with the rest of the staging, and naff musical stings".
Mure Dickie, writing in the Financial Times, feels "the pace flags a little" in play two, while Michael Billington of The Guardian says the same chapter "lacks something".
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
5 ways to help the environment while on vacation
The Week Recommends An afternoon of planting trees could be the best part of your trip
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Doctors are taking on dental duties in low-income areas
Under the radar Physicians are biting into the dentistry industry
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Instagram hopes that blurring nudity in messages will make teens safer
The Explainer The option will be turned on by default for users under 18
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published
-
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas review: a mythical beachside resort
The Week Recommends Combine the classically simple pleasures of sun, sea and sand with upmarket fun and food
By Adrienne Wyper Published