They’ve been called Scotland’s answer to Game of Thrones.

A trio of plays about James I, II and III of Scotland, the James Plays are written in modern language and create a complex and compelling narrative on Scottish culture and identity, bringing to life three generations of Stewart kings who ruled from 1406 to 1488.

Presented by the National Theatre of Scotland, the Edinburgh International Festival and the National Theatre of Great Britain, the critically acclaimed plays are by Rona Munro and directed by Laurie Sansom.

In James I: The Key Will Keep The Lock, James I of Scotland (Steven Miller) has been captured at just 13 and become King of Scots in an English prison. Eighteen years later he’s delivered back home with a ransom on his head and a new English bride. Determined to bring law to a land riven by warring families, the struggle forces him to make terrible choices to save himself, his Queen (Blythe Duff) and the crown.

In James II: Day Of The Innocents, an eight-year-old boy is crowned James II (Andrewe Rothney).

Seen through a child’s eyes, the Scottish court is a world of monsters. Growing up alone, the only relationship he can trust is with William, the future Earl of Douglas (Andrew Still).

Fighting feuding nobles, he must struggle to keep his tenuous grip on the crown and his sanity while his childhood demons rise again.

James III: The True Mirror turns its eye on the royal court’s women.

James III (Matthew Pidgeon) is charismatic with big dreams but no budget to realise them. Scotland’s future will instead be decided by the woman who loves him best, his resilient wife, Queen Margaret of Denmark (Malin Crépin), whose love and vision offer the only protection for a fragile monarchy but at a high price.

DETAILS

The James Plays are at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre on Friday, May 20, and Saturday, May 21. Audiences see all three on the same day and can sit on stage in the thick of the action.

For tickets, from £19.50, call 01227 787787 or go to marlowetheatre.com