A Raw Material + CAPITAL THEATRES CO-production
IN ASSOCIATION WITH ABERDEEN PERFORMING ARTS
JAMES VI: FIRST + LAST
By Rona Munro
Directed by Rufus Norris
TOURING AUTUMN 2027
A monumental moment in Scottish theatre arrives with James VI: First and Last, the gripping, standalone climax to Rona Munro’s internationally acclaimed James Plays.
This epic finale invites you into the mind of a flawed, tortured king navigating shifting loyalties and religious turmoil to unite two crowns. Munro's masterly script also platforms the vital women in James's life, explores the romance and tragic passion of his queer history, and uncovers hidden narratives of identity and desire that have shaped our modern world.
In a landmark creative pairing, visionary director Rufus Norris breathes theatrical life into this story of the personal and public costs of royal power. Renowned for bold storytelling, Norris brings contemporary resonance and scale to Munro’s sharp, witty text, exploring historical events in a way that speaks to the moment we live in today.
Whether you have followed the Stewart dynasty from the beginning or are stepping into the court for the first time, this exceptional production promises an unforgettable night of theatre.
Supported by:
Creative Scotland Touring Fund
Chris Grace Hartness
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
24 September – 2 October 2027
Kings Theatre, Glasgow
5 – 9 October 2027
Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling
14 –16 October 2027
Eden Court, Inverness
21 – 23 October 2027
His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
27 -30 October 2027
TICKETS ON GENERAL SALE 3 NOVEMBER 2026
Writer Rona Munro said: “James VI: First and Last marks the end of a journey I began over ten years ago. I never really questioned my decision to commit a large chunk of my working life to this sprawling saga. Now looking back, I realise it could have been a very odd and foolhardy decision, given the scale of the stories and the precarious state of theatre over those ten years.
“That I’m excitedly and happily at the point where we’re planning production of the last in this series is possibly testament to my abiding enthusiasm for the history, but, probably more than that, to my luck in finding a series of brilliant collaborators, especially producers Raw Material who have been the main driving force keeping The James Plays going after the initial trilogy was produced.
“I’m aware that while we’ve retained loyal audiences over those ten years there will be others coming to these stories for the first time. I hope these new audiences will recognise and enjoy a self-contained drama which tells the story of one moment in history but also speaks to the moment in which we currently stand. If you have seen all The James Plays you will recognise and hopefully be satisfied by this conclusion of the story of Stewart monarchs in Scotland. If you are coming for the first time, no recap is necessary, no prior knowledge of the history is required. I hope you’ll be gripped by a vital and exciting story about a tortured king, a divided nation, and much more that made our Scotland, today.”
Director Rufus Norris said: “Firstly, I am delighted to be directing Rona’s wonderful play, and to have the opportunity to collaborate with such a terrific writer.
“I have been a huge fan of this extraordinary series which have, for me, redefined what a history play can feel like. Rona’s ability to frame the historical events of many centuries ago in a way that makes them feel immediate, contemporary and utterly resonant is masterful, and to be a part of this seminal opus is a gift. It is particularly so, for me, on James VI.
“The play is rich on many levels, bringing a psychological and dramatic insight into this complex, flawed leader in a way that feels deeply pertinent to the age we are living through. My own lifelong fascination with history has been naturally focused on England, and to breathe theatrical life into a story that touches both nations is a challenge I look forward to enormously. I have recently moved to Scotland, and to be a part of the theatre community here is a privilege I will relish.”