“When oor story’s o’er and done, our names micht be forgotten, but we were real.”
And playwright Rona Munro makes very real indeed the people of the court of James IV, shining a bright spotlight on a near-forgotten but crucial time in Scotland’s history, making it vivid and alive again.
From that opening line in James IV – Queen Of The Fight follows a gripping work, leavened with bright flashes of humour, and enough action and tension to put your average Netflix historical drama to shame.
North-east writer Rona has likened the latest of her James plays (James I, II and III already hailed as landmark works) to Game Of Thrones, Bridgerton and even Braveheart.
James IV – Queen Of The Fight is a remarkable piece of theatre
Those elements are all in there, but James IV stands on its own two feet as a remarkable piece of theatre, now running at His Majesty’s in Aberdeen before heading to Eden Court in Inverness next week.
It follows two Moorish women who find themselves in the king’s court, striving to find their way in a world of glamour but intrigue, where words can cut as deep – and be as deadly – as the sharpest blades.
Played out on a striking set – almost like a medieval stadium of steps and bleachers – the tangled path of Anne, played by Laura Lovemore, and Ellen, Aberdeen’s own Danielle Jam, is never less than compelling.
Whether it’s finding favour with the Queen or romance with the King, it’s a roller coaster ride, with the added air of one misstep leading to disaster.
Sitting behind all of that is the striking backdrop of a Scotland that is diverse and welcoming of people of all colours and nations, even 500 years ago. There are at least four languages in play in the court of James IV, from Scots to Gaelic, Spanish to French.
James IV at His Majesty’s and Eden Court is pure entertainment
As this is a work built on recorded historical fact, it is heartening to know the strength Scotland draws today from its sense of inclusion stretches back to the building blocks of our nation.
Don’t think for a second, though, that James IV – Queen Of The Fight is some preachy, worthy work to enlighten – although you will come away knowing more about the Stewart king than when you went in.
This is pure entertainment from the dramatic sword fights of the “shows” put on at the court as a display of power, to the political intrigue and jockeying for position behind the scenes.
Driving it all is Rona’s glittering script, gripping at times as pretend violence turns real, but also funny – Ellen learning to speak Scots is a hoot. It is also an elegant work, that pays reverential homage to the Scots tongue, the power of words and the works of famed makar William Dunbar.
Rona’s writing is more than matched by the actors bringing these fascinating and powerful characters to life.
James IV creates a world rooted in the past but very much of today
Daniel Cahill is superb as James IV, both dashing and vulnerable, romantic and ruthless, showing how heavy sits the crown. Especially when it comes with a Queen who is a spoiled brat – a princess if you will – wonderfully essayed by Sarita Gabony.
But James IV – Queen Of The Fight – belongs to Laura Lovemore and Danielle Jam as Anne and Ellen, the prism through which we see this world. They both turn in powerhouse performances, particularly Danielle as more and more of the narrative falls on her shoulders. She carries it with ease.
Special mention must also go to director Laurie Sansom, reunited with Rona from her earlier James plays for creating this wonderful world that is rooted in the past, but still very much of today both in it the way it looks and sounds.
Ultimately, James IV – Queen Of The Fight is a love letter to this particular Stewart king but also to the nation he helped forge and the one we all know today.
How to see James IV – Queen Of The Fight at HMT and Eden Court
Many of the images and words conjured up in this work will live in your head for some time, as the past reaches out to touch the present. It makes you hungry to learn more about where we came from to get here and where our golden thread of history could take us next.
Because, as the play says: “When oor story’s o’er and done, our names micht be forgotten, but we were real.”
James IV – Queen Of The Fight is at His Majesty’s Theatre until Saturday. For more information and tickets go to aberdeenperformingarts.com
It will then run at Eden Court from Wednesday November 2 to Saturday November 5. For information and tickets go to eden-court.co.uk
You might also like…
Conversation