MARGARETHA Geertruida "Margreet" MacLeod, better known by her stage name Mata Hari, was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan, convicted of being a spy for Germany during the First World War and executed by firing squad in France on October 15 1917.

The name Mata Hari is synonymous with espionage, spying and being a double agent, but was she really a spy, asks a new show from Company Gavin Robertson, 100 years on from her death.

Using her own words as inspiration, writer, producer and director Gavin Robertson looks at the woman behind the myth of the world's first femme fatale in Mata Hari – Female Spy, on tour at the York Theatre Royal Studio for one night only on Wednesday at 7.45pm.

Company Gavin Robertson has played the show in the United States already, and on being asked what an audience could expect, Roberston said: "It’s a very strong feminist – with a small ‘f’ – story. Mata Hari was ahead of her time in that she refused to compromise her way of life. She was the Madonna of her day, surviving in a male-dominated world. She was, I think, shot for having no shame."

Robertson has specialised previously in genre-based parodies, most notably his West End and international hit Thunderbirds F.A.B, and for his latest show he joins forces for a fourth time with actress Katharine Mary, who said: "It’s such a challenge to perform Mata Hari – Female Spy. I am alone on stage and as well as acting, I dance and the style requires me to think technically as well as simply portray a character. But Mata Hari has a wry way of expressing herself, which is fun to deliver.”

Tickets are selling well, so prompt booking is advised on 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk