Reviews – Mary Stuart

1 August 2024

Reviews of Chaika’s production of Mary Stuart at ACT Hub in Canberra

PR for Chaika’s production of Mary Stuart at ACT Hub in Canberra

Quotes from the reviewers

Steph Roberts (Mary Stuart) and Karen Vickery (Elizabeth) provided strong pivotal performances… an opportunity to experience something of the very essence of power play and how it makes for exciting and challenging theatre.

Elizabeth is Karen Vickery at her best… fully aware of both her power and her limitations, impulsive, thoughtful, wrathful and compassionate in turn.

Chaika Theatre’s production of Mary Stuart is must see theatre at its best… a seamless production that will have audiences on the edge of their seats.
Both actors give extraordinary performances… Vickery and Roberts are brilliant sa the powerful Gloriana and the imprisoned captive Queen of Scotland… To watch Vickery and Roberts play out the emotional rollercoaster of their characters is to witness two of Canberra’s finest actors. These are performances of high professional stature.
Chaika Theatre’s Mary Stuart is an explosive theatricla experience… this production is a theatrical tour de force that will remain in your memory long after you have left the theatre.

Both (lead) actors give extraordinary performances in (the) key scene (when they meet) with never a false moment… The dialogue… crackles with electricity and it’s the highlight of the play. A great production like this that we always hope for when we go to the theatre.

The performances by Karen Vickery and Steph Roberts – Elizabeth’s anguish over her nightmare decision to sign the execution order; Mary’s confession according to her belief – brought out the depth of empathy from us for these women.
This Mary Stuart is a valuable contribution to Canberra theatre and our culture.

Steph Roberts offers a compelling performance as the former queen.
Vickery offers a stunning performance that is impossible to tear your eyes away from. Her timing and line delivery fascinate as she teases, taunts and flirts with those around her.
The verbal battle between Mary and Elizabeth, in which they tear metaphorical strips off each other, is the high point of the play and is brilliantly executed by both actors.
A memorable evening of high quality theatre… This production will take its place among the ever-growing list of must-see productions for which the ACT Hub has become celebrated.

Karen Vickery is a splendid Elizabeth, all marvellous contradictions,  and Steph Roberts is an equally splendid Mary, still battling for recognition despite years of imprisonment.
An impressive and moving take on two of history’s most fascinating characters.