The creators use old-fashioned classical miming, contemporary language and circus style tricks, such as stilts used by the Young Elizabeth (performed imposingly by Harvey Littlefield in drag).

From the opening scene, where an older Queen Elizabeth I (the multi-talented Charlotta Öfverholm) dances in undergarments in the snow to the sound of folk music, we know we need to adjust expectations. What follows is a two-act narrative ballet that’s daring, theatrical, fast-paced and packed with symbolism. In her first full-length creation for the national Scottish company, resident choreographer Sophie Laplane together with director James Bonas propose a visually compelling work which follows historical chronology but with their own intelligent twist.

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