The Scandal at Mayerling

You will hear a score constructed from the works of Franz Liszt, a composer whose piano and orchestral writing often mirrors the emotional volatility required for this specific narrative. The music shifts between grandeur and frantic, unsettling textures, providing a continuous sonic environment for the complex choreography of Sir Kenneth MacMillan. We suggest listening for how the orchestra reflects the internal psychological state of the central figures, moving from the rigid formality of the royal court to the increasingly chaotic energy of the private scenes. The evening is structured to build momentum through physical storytelling, using the athletic and demanding style that MacMillan is known for. You can expect a focus on intense partner work and expressive gestures that translate historical events into a wordless drama. The choreography does not shy away from the darker aspects of the plot, utilising Liszt’s turbulent harmonies to ground the performance in a nineteenth-century soundscape that feels both romantic and precarious.

Scottish Ballet brings this production to life as Scotland’s national dance company. Based in Glasgow, they are recognised for a repertoire that balances nineteenth-century classics with technically demanding modern works. For this performance, Martin Yates conducts the orchestra. Yates is a frequent collaborator with major ballet companies and is particularly noted for his skill in arranging and leading scores for large-scale narrative productions. The ensemble is praised for its versatility and the dramatic commitment of its dancers, who are required to navigate both the technical rigour of the choreography and the heavy emotional weight of the subject matter.

This performance takes place at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh and has an approximate running time of 120 minutes. It is a substantial evening of theatre that suits those interested in historical drama and complex character studies rather than traditional fairytale aesthetics. As a ballet, the story is told entirely through movement and music without the need for surtitles. There is no specific dress code for this venue; we find that most attendees opt for smart-casual attire. The two-hour duration typically includes an interval, though this is subject to the venue's schedule on the night.