An evening with Anoushka Lucas and Me for Queen at the Dreel Halls

ME FOR QUEEN With a voice often likened to Carole King and Regina Spektor, a classical piano training, and influences ranging from Björk to Chopin, Me for Queen –the creative alias of Mary Erskine – is rapidly winning acclaim for her beguiling ‘soul-folk’ songcraft, blending traditional folk story-telling with a contemporary edge. Growing up "feral" in rural Fife (Kingsbarns), years of classical training together with a Blues guitarist for a father make for an interesting mix of soul and folk. Mary has enjoyed support from BBC6 Music and BBC Radio Wales and BBC Scotland; the album was Record of Note on Roddy Hart’s show and the single, Loose End, was Single of the Week on the Janice Forsyth show. In 2019, she was invited to tour as musical guest with the Guilty Feminist podcast, playing venues including the Birmingham Symphony Hall. Her song, “Jessica” was included on Spotify UK’s playlist, “The Most Beautiful Songs in the World” and has racked up over 100, 000 plays. Mary will be performing brand new material from her new EP, The Island of Longing; a song cycle inspired by the world of IVF and fertility treatment. In her own words, "I wanted to reflect not only my own journey, but create something that feels like it can be shared, opening a door into a world that is often hidden, and can therefore feel lonely, not to mention deeply surreal and strange. And I promise it's not too much of a downer!"   ---- ANOUSHKA LUCAS Anoushka Lucas is a singer, songwriter, actor and playwright. She has been writing songs since the age of 14 and has been described by Jamie Callum as “an exceptional voice and a great songwriter” (BBC Introducing). Her debut album was championed by Jazz Fm and Radio 2.As well as being a musician, Anoushka has also built a career as a successful actor and theatre maker. She has appeared in multiple London productions of both plays and musicals and in 2023, Anoushka was nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance in the Young Vic/West End production of Oklahoma!. As a composer, she her scores have been heard at Theatre Royal Stratford East and The Park Theatre, and in 2018 she collaborated with Jess Butcher to create their award-winning Edinburgh Fringe musical Sparks, which was subsequently adapted for Radio 4. As a playwright, Anoushka's first full length play Elephant was nominated for an Evening Standard Most Promising Playwright Award, and went on to win the Stage Debut Writer's Award in 2023. Anoushka is currently developing a new musical on attachment to the National Theatre in London. After focusing on theatre for some time, Anoushka returned to her first love this year, and released her second studio album "Make Believe" in June 2026. She is delighted to be travelling up to Scotland to share old songs and new songs.