Rona Munro’s James V: Katherine has opened at the Festival Theatre Studio in Edinburgh this week ahead of its Scottish tour.

This co-production by Raw Material and Capital Theatres brings the fifth instalment of Munro’s historical series. For context, the James Play series began in 2014, with NTS’s large-scale productions of The James Play Trilogy, which explored Kings James I to III stories. It was then, in 2022, that the fourth instalment came along; James IV: Queen of the Fight.

Now in 2024, we see the newest addition with James V: Katherine. Munro continues her journey, pulling focus from the monarchs themselves and instead, brings the stories of those affected by their reign to light. The play is based on real historical figures including Kathrine Hamilton, sister of martyr Patrick Hamilton, and follows the key events in the early stages of the Scottish Reformation.

As the audience enters, they are immersed in an intimate setting with candles surrounding the stage, a cold chill in the air and easygoing piano music. This sets up for a significant shift of atmosphere - the lights dim and synth-pop music, composed and designed by Danny Krass, moves us into an edgy world of storytelling, with almost gothic clothing styles by Shannon Blackwood. The set is minimal, allowing the actors to transport us from place to place through the audience's imagination. Director Orla O’Loughlin has a clear vision for the piece, which is seamless and stylistically clear. However, there is a lot to achieve in only 75 minutes. Although a standalone piece, from the moment the actors begin, the audience must be engaged to grasp the premise of where the story begins. Either that or general history knowledge is a plus!

Catriona Faint does incredibly well leading the cast of four. Faint in the role of Katherine has great charisma and gallous energy. The play is a great showcase of her talent with a wide range of emotions to manage. Faint is supported by Sean Connor as the swaggering Constable/James V, Benjamin Osugo as the determined Patrick Hamilton/Spence, and Alyth Ross as the youthful Jenny. The show is dark, brooding and intense, highlighting major themes including power and grief. The cast do a fantastic job of allowing comedy to break the tension throughout. Within this tense energy created, running alongside is a somewhat surprising love story that incredibly capitulates ideas of hope and belief.

James V: Katherine is a very moving and powerful piece which triumphs in retelling a part of Scotland’s vast history. It is apparent how much care and effort has gone into making this piece of theatre a success. It is lovely to see Scotland’s history told in an accessible and relevant way.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Catriona Lamb

Following its premiere at The Festival Studio, James V: Katherine tours Scotland, visiting Glasgow, Aberdeen, Mull, Inverness, Dunoon, Birnam, St Andrews, Stirling, Peebles and Melrose. For more information, please click here.