Tales of the Tudors have been told and re-told for centuries – whether they concern the wives of Henry VIII or the lovers of Elizabeth I, they continue to hold the public in rapture.

The story of Mary Stuart, locked in Fotheringay Castle and in a deadly tale of cat-and-mouse with the formidable English matriarch, is one less well known however.

Via circular, revolving stage, and stark brick walls a plot of daggers in the dark, religious strife, law and justice unfolds around these powerful women. Mary sees herself as a refugee, a paragon of virtue, a martyr. She is desperate to see her faith and her rightful claim as monarch restored, in a land she sees as having lost its way. Of course, she doesn’t necessarily plan to enact this by peaceful means.

Elizabeth, beset on all sides by doubt and treacherous men, sees a dangerous charlatan with a golden tongue who needs to be chained and controlled – however she also sees much of herself in the jailed monarch, remarking that the crown itself is just another prison cell, but with jewels.

Juliet Stevenson and Lia Williams shine as the combatants, Mary and Elizabeth. At the beginning of each performance, a coin toss takes place, with the outcome deciding who will take on each role. This duality is marked in their dress – both wear black velvet trousers and white cotton, each ready to transform into the other at a moment’s notice. By turns commanding and paranoid, sensual and strong, in one another they find the perfect foil.

It is a shame then, that other parts of this production do not make quite such a good impression. Issues with the audio persisted throughout, with some members of the cast being completely inaudible at many points. The set, though initially striking, is too immutable in its austerity, it is only rarely that a prop is introduced, though always to great effect.

The oddest decision however, was to clad all members of the cast in non-descript suits. Whether earl or manservant, the effect of this is to confuse an already complex situation, not helped by the extended run-time of the play (130 minutes).

Mary Stuart is an example of strong theatre with something to say about power and politics, but with a sometimes clumsy execution it can strain the patience of even the most avid spectator. - Sean Cameron

Mary Stewart runs until April 14 at the Theatre Royal, Bath. For tickets or more details visit https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/