Bloody Mary(s)

Quite Contrary

Bloody Mary(s)

by J. J. Leppink

Blue Fire Theatre Company at The National Archives, Kew until 18^th July, at Edinburgh Fringe until 30th August, and on tour until 16th October.

Review by Heather Moulson

What is a Maryologist? In Fiona Auty’s well-designed performance space in National Archives, we were to find out. My companion was called Mary, and I was happy to be a token one. Which Mary would you invite to dinner?

Director Jason Price’s Bloody Mary(s), an interactive event in its Edinburgh Fringe preview, is an intriguing concept.

Now, Lottie Walker is a Maryologist. Sixty Mary’s in sixty minutes, and I was put to shame about how many Mary’s I didn’t actually know, historical and contemporary. Voting which Mary’s would come to dinner, Mary Quant passed with flying colours, so did Mary Queen of Scots, but not Mary Tudor – the ultimate Bloody Mary. However, I was crestfallen that Mary Poppins did not get in!

Walker’s Maryologist looked good and fresh in clever attire, designed by Zoe Harvey-Lee, that was contemporary yet still of a period. Lighting was subtle and apt and kept the mood right. She handled the numerous props swiftly, commuting between a main suitcase-holding table to an enticing Mary Poppins type bag on a neighbouring chair.

The Maryologist took us on a journey that was educational and fun. There was audience participation with three volunteers. Articulate and welcoming, Walker was so relaxed and at ease in this role that we were happy to put ourselves in the Maryologist’s hands.

The main Mary’s included Mary Seacole, Mary Berry, Mary Pickford and Mary Read. Placed cleverly on neat placards, we cheered to let them ‘in’. Numerous Mary’s who were heroes (some anti-heroes) were voted for, and the hour-long show was insightful and eye opening. A novel concept brought to a higher plane, it was informative, funny and had just the right level of interaction without being intimidating.

Some aspects, such as the sound level of the music, were in the process of being ironed out, but they were easily rectified. There was generally a good and effective array of music, supervised by James Hall. Particularly moving was Mary Hamilton’s ballad.

Bloody Mary(s) will be a standout Edinburgh show . . . but one will never look at a Mary in the same way again!

Heather Moulson, July 2026

Photography courtesy of Blue Fire