Scotland’s leading drama critic will chair Stef Smith Q&A
Joyce McMillan, theatre critic at the Scotsman, will chair a special post-show Q&A as part of the premiere of Head. Heart. Hand, a new play by Stef Smith that brings Queen Margaret University’s 150-year story to life.
The post-play discussion with writer Stef Smith and director Bruce Strachan will take place on Friday 20th February at the Traverse Theatre, which all audience members are invited to attend.
Joyce is a former lecturer who taught Stef when she was studying at QMU. She has been a journalist, theatre critic and political commentator for more than 30 years and in 2000 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from QMU for her services to Scottish theatre.
The play’s director, Bruce Strachan, said: “Having Joyce chair the Q&A feels especially meaningful. She represents a powerful connection between QMU’s past and present, and her insight into Scottish theatre, education and Stef’s journey as a writer will make this an insightful conversation for the audience. It’s also a particularly valuable opportunity for the students present to hear first-hand about artistic practice and how the play and Stef’s work sit in the ecology of Scottish theatre.”
Drawing on QMU’s rich history, from its origins as a cookery school for women, through two world wars, student activism and a global pandemic, ‘Head. Heart. Hand.’ explores how generations of students responded to the challenges and changes of their times with resilience, passion and hope.
Created by award-winning playwright and QMU graduate, Stef Smith, the production will be performed by QMU final year Acting and Performance students at the Traverse Theatre, Scotland’s home for new writing, from 19–21 February 2026.
Stef Smith studied Drama and Theatre Arts at Queen Margaret University and won an Olivier Award for the show ‘RoadKill’ just a few years after graduating. Her acclaimed plays include ‘Nora: A Doll’s House’, ‘Swallow’ and ‘Enough’; and her recent screen credits include ‘Float’, the BBC Scotland drama, which shines a light on the lives of LGBTQ+ teens living in rural communities and for which she won a BAFTA for Best Writer.
The development of Head. Heart. Hand. forms part of the QMU150 programme of activities marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the institution now known as Queen Margaret University.
Listings information
Performance dates: 19 Feb 7pm | 20 Feb 7pm (inc. post-play Q&A | 21 Feb 2pm and 7pm
Venue: Traverse Theatre
Age recommendation: 14+
