Entertainment · Books & Arts · 19 hrs ago
Gayle Rankin brings a bold new edge to The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is a production by the Royal Lyceum and the National Theatre of Scotland, adapted by David Harrower from Muriel Spark’s work.
Gayle Rankin plays Jean Brodie, a teacher who wants to shape her pupils into “young heroines of the future.”
This version presents her as funny, sharp-tongued and sexually forthright, rather than stiff and reserved.
Brodie’s love of art and fashion sits alongside her admiration for Mussolini and her approval of a predatory art teacher.
Her pupil Sandy Stranger is the one who sees through her and ultimately brings her down.
The production raises questions about the risks of charismatic leaders who seek to shape others in their own image.
Gayle Rankin plays Jean Brodie in a new production of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
The production is by Vicky Featherstone for the Royal Lyceum and the National Theatre of Scotland.
The Guardian review says Rankin makes Muriel Spark’s heroine more extraordinary, portraying her as funny, sharp-tongued and sexually forthright.
David Harrowe adapted the story, and Chloe Lamford designed the set.
The review describes Brodie as both inspirational and messianic, with contradictions that leave her pupils and teachers divided.
- Who
- Gayle Rankin plays Jean Brodie, and Vicky Featherstone directs the production.
- What
- A new production of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie has been reviewed by the Guardian.
- When
- The review was published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- The production is for the Royal Lyceum and the National Theatre of Scotland.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Proceed as if I wasn’t here
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Lead actor
- Gayle Rankin
- Director
- Vicky Featherstone
- Producing theatres
- Royal Lyceum and National Theatre of Scotland
- Adaptation
- David Harrower
- Set designer
- Chloe Lamford
Sources
Related news
Sacha Baron Cohen to star in Tarantino’s first stage play
Sacha Baron Cohen to star in Tarantino’s West End play
O’Byrne wins 2026 Lester Prize unanimously
Bill Pickett rodeo gives Black cowboys a platform and preserves their heritage
A home should be a refuge, not a luxury investment
Anne Carson wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature
Italian writer Giampaolo Spinato builds an independent path for his books
Gretel Packer plans restoration of Sydney’s Minerva Theatre
Good Food Guide Awards ceremony held in Port Melbourne
Artists discuss sculptures and paintings for London’s Frieze art fair
Myaku-Myaku monument returns to Osaka City Hall through Dec. 25
