EIGHT DAYS

‘Eight Days’ is a one-woman opera, drawing on the letters of Mary, Queen of Scots and other contemporary historical sources. Commissioned by Cantata Dramatica from Louis Mander in 2026, with libretto by Louisa Petaï, the opera is an account of the last eight days of Mary’s life, experienced through Mary’s eyes.

The Story

1st February 1587. Mary, Queen of Scots, after twenty years of captivity, still remains imprisoned in Fotheringhay castle. 

Unbeknownst to her, Queen Elizabeth I - her own cousin - has signed her death warrant. 

She has only eight days left to live.

Haunted by her past and still protesting her innocence, in these final eight days Mary is confronted by the consequences of her decisions, grappling with her inner demons whilst remaining devoted to her faith. 

As she braces herself for death, Mary, still a queen, deliberately sows the seeds for her own enduring legacy as martyr and icon. 

In her end was truly her beginning.

Combining mesmerising and evocative music for soprano and chmber ensemble by Louis Mander and a powerful and moving libretto by Louisa Petaï, Eight Days is a one-woman opera which draws upon contemporary historical accounts and uses Mary's own words above all.

Eight Days will be performed in the Cockpit Theatre London, on 9 September 2026 and Fotheringhay Church, Northamptonshire on 19 September with Louisa Petaï as Mary.