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| It's Good to Be the Queen! |
| Although Mallory and I have played royalty on a number of occasions, perhaps the most entertaining time for me was, in the early 1980s, when I played Queen Victoria. The Queen made her first appearance at a Sherlock Holmes high tea. We decided rather quickly that once in her frumpy finery and make-up she would not go out of character. Period. This quite threw some of the attendees, but it seemed right nonetheless. After due consideration, from then on it was established that we arrived in character, sometimes parking away from the event so as not to be seen riding in an automobile, which didn't seem right at all! Mallory acted as my Equerry, that is the person who deals with the needs of his royal charge and deals with the public on her behalf. If the Queen requires something, or someone requests something of the Queen, the Equerry is the go-between. Lovely fun because I got to order my husband around and he had to keep his character. The word got out and the Queen went about Knighting and Dameing commoners at events large and small. Although the knighthood was (and still is) only good until Victoria left the throne--and the planet--in 1901 (our rules, not hers), many enjoyed the honor and the mini-pomp. Some were members of Victorian military re-enactors, and so it all became much grander. In a home or in a ballroom, it was good to be the Queen! Then a fire at our castle destroyed much of our genuine period clothing. The Equerry no longer had his cutaway, nor his striped pants. Victoria's headress was gone, and some of her clothing and finery was damaged. The Queen retired to Balmoral and was never seen in this incarnation again. But now, time travelers that we are, she's coming back! For another Sherlock Holmes event, this time for the Pasaena Playhouse. Her dressmakers frantically restored her public garb and the Queen graciously agreed to allow her Equerry to appear in a mere frock coat. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice and their presence was quite well received. There is no modern photo of Victoria, so I took the liberty of modifying a vintage photo of our Victoria and her Equerry (see above). As Victoria had all of her official photos retouched, I felt that this would be quite proper. The main difference between then and now is that she was retouched younger and thinner (what could she have really looked like?) and I went the other way. As Equerries are ageless, Mallory is untouched. Those looking to meet them, therefore, must realize that changes will be noticed this quarter-of-a-century later! (New! The Queen has had a series of photos taken. You can see one by clicking on the "thumbnail' photo above.) As Victoria took singing lessons with a great opera baritone and her beloved Albert loved to play on his organ for her to sing, it was decided that her Equerry, also a baritone, would now sing while she, who rarely can find her reported "sweet soprano voice" now-a-days, will pump her organ, joining in from time to time if the royal spirit is so moved. (She loves so to play the chorus in Gilbert & Sullivan patter songs!) They will be singing 19th Century songs of the British Isles and, perhaps a few of her favorites from America. Some of the beautiful Irish ballads will also be included as her attitude toward that land has greatly softened in over a hundred years. The Irish may be fiesty, but they wrote some of the best poetry and music! An invitation to the Queen is an invitation for you to share her private moments with a beloved friend and congenial consort in making music. Of course, Knight and Dame-hood is still available to those who prove themselves deserving. In this matter the Queen has become very liberal! |
| by Janna |
| If you would like the Queen to grace your next event, call our rebuilt castle at 323-733-7241 |
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| Victoria and her Equerry in the early 1980s |
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