‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’ is a new stage adaptation by David Harrower that tells the story from the world-famous novel of the same name by Muriel Spark. It is a National Theatre of Scotland production presented in partnership with The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, and in association with Pitlochry Festival Theatre. This production is set to tour from Edinburgh (Lyceum Theatre) to Glasgow (Citizens Theatre), to Aberdeen (His Majesty’s Theatre) and then finally to Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 2nd October until 7th November 2026.
The play follows the journey of 5 young pupils of the Marcia Blaine School for Girls who are taken under the wing of a teacher named Miss Jean Brodie. She selects these girls to become her “set” and impresses upon them dreams and ambitions that fuel them with great excitement and a deep sense of loyalty towards her. Miss Brodie declares this period of her life as “her prime” and claims it’s fully devoted to the development of her girls. Yet throughout the story she causes chaos and turmoil amongst other teachers whilst ensuring her set of girls join her in being unendingly opposed to their headmistress Miss Mackay.
It must firstly be said that David Harrower has done a fantastic job in adapting this work for a contemporary audience. By delving into all the complexities and contradictions that live within the character of Miss Jean Brodie, he makes certain that no person may leave the theatre with a solid opinion of her. She is thrilling, witty, unrepentant, impassioned and dangerous. Miss Brodie’s girls both love and hate her yet can never fully leave her. Harrower is unafraid to evoke every emotion possible with his work. There are some wonderfully hilarious lines that are quickly followed by ones which shock. His text also brilliantly depicts the many extreme ways in which Miss Brodie impacts everyone she encounters. From brewing fury in Miss Mackay to stirring up desperation in Mr Lloyd and Mr Lowther, Miss Brodie remains a fascinating, enigmatic creature up until her very last day.
The script is expertly directed by Vicky Featherstone who has a clear admiration for Muriel Spark. Featherstone’s work is at its best when the female dynamics are being challenged within a scene. Scenes where Miss Brodie battles verbally with Miss Mackay are a highlight. Featherstone’s direction is complimented by note perfect performances across the board. Standouts include Bobby Rainsbury who seamlessly conveys Sandy Stranger’s growth from an impressionable girl of 11 into a woman tormented by inner conflict, and Maureen Beattie whose portrayal of Miss Mackay is the picture of strictness with a subtle kindness underneath.
However, the greatest acting accolade must go to Gayle Rankin who gives an absolutely breathtaking performance as Miss Jean Brodie. This is a role that famously won Maggie Smith an Academy Award so the shoes to fill were large to say the least. Rankin makes the part entirely her own and in doing so offers a fresh, captivating and charismatic schoolteacher who is adorned in some truly fabulous costumes designed by Anna Orton. Rankin knows exactly how and when to make the audience laugh and renders them silent in Miss Brodie’s final moments. Her performance is elegant, nuanced, vulnerable and terrifying.
Overall, ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’ is an exquisite piece of theatre that glows from its wealth of female talent. It’s an adaptation that speaks to fans of the novel whilst challenging a modern audience to consider their stance on one of the most complex and fascinating characters in literary history.
Photography by Mihaela Bodlovic.
Tickets available here: https://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/events/the-prime-of-miss-jean-brodie
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