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The Queen is Mad

 
Amy Macrae Review by Amy Macrae 3 Published: 12 Aug 2025 Zoo Southside Show Dates: 1 Aug 2025-24 Aug 2025

Telling the untold story of Juana I of Castille, The Queen is Mad is an ambitious musical depicting the ever-evolving confinement and oppression of a woman seeking freedom in all its forms.

A solid work weighed down somewhat by an exposition-heavy book

Though there is a lot of ground to cover in recounting her tumultuous life, the production feels a little sluggish. At points, significant chunks of exposition, told directly by the protagonist, slow the pace, especially when paired with songs that cover much the same ground. The acting from all three performers is incredibly strong, but there are moments that feel stilted, as the dialogue leaves little room for the cast or audience to explore the unsaid.

Clever use of costume and stage allows for fluid storytelling between the trio, proving the old adage of ‘small but mighty’. Vocally, it delivers – most notably Maria Coyne, who moves from jubilant to utterly sorrowful with undeniable ease.

With Sondheim and SIX listed as comparable musicals, the production’s PR feels a little disconnected from the performance itself. While there is the fast-paced lyricism of Sondheim, alongside overlapping melodies, there is not the same razor-sharp quality of his much-loved work. This piece has a strong score in its own right, and the comparison may do more to hinder than help when it comes to audience expectation.

The Queen is Mad is a solid work weighed down somewhat by an exposition-heavy book. With the songs able to do much of the heavy lifting, the heavy-handed first-person ‘tell’ moments dull the score’s shine. It is still an enjoyable hour with wonderfully talented performers and, with a tighter plot and more focused dialogue, could be something really special.

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The Blurb:

Joanna has always spoken her mind. When she unexpectedly becomes Queen, her father and husband are determined to silence her. She went down in history as Joanna the Mad – what if she wasn't insane, but furious? SIX meets Sondheim in this dark saga inspired by Catherine of Aragon's older sister. Featuring Locked Away, Stiles & Drewe Best New Song Prize finalist 2024. 'Funny, heartbreaking and rage-inducing' **** (AdventuresInTheatreland.com). 'Mmm, defiance!' (Elaine Paige, BBC Radio 2). 'Evokes a classic theatrical sound... lilting melodies which melt into dissonant, menacing lullabies' (TheatreAndTonic.co.uk).