Queenie
Encyclopedia
"Queenie" is a caricature
of the historical figure Queen
Elizabeth I of England
, played by Miranda Richardson
in Blackadder II
, the second series of the BBC
historical sitcom Blackadder
, which was set in Elizabethan
England
. Though only twice referred to as "Queenie" in the series (once by Lord Flashheart
and once as self-reference in her poem for Blackadder's voyage), this name is commonly used by the general public.
's portrayal in the 1971 television drama Elizabeth R
), Miranda Richardson's portrayal is childish, spoiled and silly, possessing a fiery temper. Richardson plays the Queen with the mannerisms of a spoiled schoolgirl who just happened to possess the kind of casual, autocratic
power that could have someone's nose cut off if it is prettier than hers - a power which she revels in. "Queenie" readily threatens her courtier
s with execution if they do not do as she wishes (or even just on a whim). As her fancies are usually based on a fleeting whim, her courtiers, toadies, and favourites are frequently kept on their toes when trying to please (or, just as often, not upset) her.
Queenie's immature behaviour is expressed in her desire to "get squiffy and seduce nobles
" (and force presents off them on pain of death). A naughty schoolgirl at heart, Queenie loves to party, play games and get drunk. If anyone fails to laugh at her jokes, they risk execution, but, to her followers' bemusement and frustration, she sometimes tires of their toadying and welcomes a more cynical approach.
Amanda Barrie
's portrayal of Cleopatra in the 1964 film Carry on Cleo
as a childish seductress has been suggested as an inspiration for Richardson's interpretation of Elizabeth I. It has been remarked that Queenie closely resembles the character Violet Elizabeth Bott featured in the Just William
books of Richmal Crompton
.
, a pilot episode was shot in 1982 which was set in the Elizabethan Era
. This episode, which has never been televised, featured a fictitious King and Queen of England. The Queen, played by Elspet Gray
, is not explicitly named as Elizabeth, but wears a costume and hairstyle which closely resemble those of traditional images of Queen Elizabeth I. In the first televised series, Elspet Gray's Queen character evolved into Gertrude of Flanders
when the setting was shifted back to the 15th Century.
, in which "Queenie" plays an important role, frequently ordering Lord Blackadder
to Richmond Palace
. The Queen always holds court in the company of her deranged former nurse, Nursie
(Patsy Byrne
) and the obsequious Lord Melchett (Stephen Fry
). She commands Blackadder to carry out a variety of tasks, some important (such as appointing Blackadder as the Lord High Executioner in "Head
") and some petty (such as repeatedly summoning Blackadder to her only for it to turn out as a childish practical joke designed to extract money from him in "Money
"). The only times she is seen out of her palace are to visit a prisoner up for execution and to sneak into Blackadder's "boys' party", the latter resulting in her getting drunk then forgetting what she was going to do, which was execute everyone at the party. The Queen demonstrates feelings for Blackadder that, on occasion, the audience is given cause to believe may border on something deeper than casual flirting. For instance, she is somewhat jealous upon learning that Blackadder intends to marry Kate, feeling better only when he mentions that her nose is prettier than Kate's (threatening to cut it off if it not, and forcing Blackadder to "marry someone without a nose".) Furthermore, on one occasion, she declares that she is keen on him, and on another, she declares that she would like to marry him.
(1988). This special presents new-footage flashbacks to the second and third series of Blackadder through the use of a Dickensian framing device
. In look back to the age of Blackadder II, Elizabeth bans Christmas because it bores her only subsequently to decide she will execute Edmund because he didn't get her a present. Naturally, he escapes his fate, and manages to get Melchett sentenced to death instead. She also plays Queen Asphyxia XIX, ruler of the Universe.
special Blackadder: Back & Forth
(1999), a time travel
retrospective and finale to the saga, Richardson portrays Elizabeth once again. In the episode's present-day narrative, she portrays a Sloane Ranger
Lady Elizabeth who is a friend of the contemporary Edmund Blackadder; she is shocked to discover that Queen Elizabeth's crown fits her head perfectly.
Caricature
A caricature is a portrait that exaggerates or distorts the essence of a person or thing to create an easily identifiable visual likeness. In literature, a caricature is a description of a person using exaggeration of some characteristics and oversimplification of others.Caricatures can be...
of the historical figure Queen
British monarchy
The monarchy of the United Kingdom is the constitutional monarchy of the United Kingdom and its overseas territories. The present monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, has reigned since 6 February 1952. She and her immediate family undertake various official, ceremonial and representational duties...
Elizabeth I of England
Elizabeth I of England
Elizabeth I was queen regnant of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death. Sometimes called The Virgin Queen, Gloriana, or Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth was the fifth and last monarch of the Tudor dynasty...
, played by Miranda Richardson
Miranda Richardson
Miranda Jane Richardson is an English stage, film and television actor. She has been nominated for two Academy Awards, and has won two Golden Globes and a BAFTA during her career....
in Blackadder II
Blackadder II
Blackadder II is the second series of the BBC situation comedy Blackadder, written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, which aired from 9 January 1986 to 20 February 1986...
, the second series of the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
historical sitcom Blackadder
Blackadder
Blackadder is the name that encompassed four series of a BBC1 historical sitcom, along with several one-off instalments. All television programme episodes starred Rowan Atkinson as anti-hero Edmund Blackadder and Tony Robinson as Blackadder's dogsbody, Baldrick...
, which was set in Elizabethan
Elizabethan era
The Elizabethan era was the epoch in English history of Queen Elizabeth I's reign . Historians often depict it as the golden age in English history...
England
Kingdom of England
The Kingdom of England was, from 927 to 1707, a sovereign state to the northwest of continental Europe. At its height, the Kingdom of England spanned the southern two-thirds of the island of Great Britain and several smaller outlying islands; what today comprises the legal jurisdiction of England...
. Though only twice referred to as "Queenie" in the series (once by Lord Flashheart
Lord Flashheart
Lord Flashheart is the name of two fictional characters who appeared in two episodes of the popular BBC sitcom Blackadder. They are both played by Rik Mayall....
and once as self-reference in her poem for Blackadder's voyage), this name is commonly used by the general public.
Characteristics
In contrast to the usual regal and austere depiction of Elizabeth I (such as Glenda JacksonGlenda Jackson
Glenda May Jackson, CBE is a British Labour Party politician and former actress. She has been a Member of Parliament since 1992, and currently represents Hampstead and Kilburn. She previously served as MP for Hampstead and Highgate...
's portrayal in the 1971 television drama Elizabeth R
Elizabeth R
Elizabeth R is a BBC television drama serial of six 85-minute plays starring Glenda Jackson in the title role. It was first broadcast on BBC2 from February to March 1971, through the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in Australia and broadcast in America on PBS's Masterpiece Theatre.- Episodes...
), Miranda Richardson's portrayal is childish, spoiled and silly, possessing a fiery temper. Richardson plays the Queen with the mannerisms of a spoiled schoolgirl who just happened to possess the kind of casual, autocratic
Autocracy
An autocracy is a form of government in which one person is the supreme power within the state. It is derived from the Greek : and , and may be translated as "one who rules by himself". It is distinct from oligarchy and democracy...
power that could have someone's nose cut off if it is prettier than hers - a power which she revels in. "Queenie" readily threatens her courtier
Courtier
A courtier is a person who is often in attendance at the court of a king or other royal personage. Historically the court was the centre of government as well as the residence of the monarch, and social and political life were often completely mixed together...
s with execution if they do not do as she wishes (or even just on a whim). As her fancies are usually based on a fleeting whim, her courtiers, toadies, and favourites are frequently kept on their toes when trying to please (or, just as often, not upset) her.
Queenie's immature behaviour is expressed in her desire to "get squiffy and seduce nobles
Nobility
Nobility is a social class which possesses more acknowledged privileges or eminence than members of most other classes in a society, membership therein typically being hereditary. The privileges associated with nobility may constitute substantial advantages over or relative to non-nobles, or may be...
" (and force presents off them on pain of death). A naughty schoolgirl at heart, Queenie loves to party, play games and get drunk. If anyone fails to laugh at her jokes, they risk execution, but, to her followers' bemusement and frustration, she sometimes tires of their toadying and welcomes a more cynical approach.
Amanda Barrie
Amanda Barrie
Amanda Barrie is an English actress.-Career:Born as Shirley Anne Broadbent, Barrie attended St Anne's College, St Anne's on Sea. She then trained at the Arts Educational School in London and later at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School...
's portrayal of Cleopatra in the 1964 film Carry on Cleo
Carry On Cleo
Carry On Cleo is the tenth film in the Carry On film series and was released in 1964. The website ICONS.a portrait of England cites the Carry On films as iconic of British cinema, and describes Carry On Cleo as "perhaps the best". Regulars Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Kenneth Connor, Charles...
as a childish seductress has been suggested as an inspiration for Richardson's interpretation of Elizabeth I. It has been remarked that Queenie closely resembles the character Violet Elizabeth Bott featured in the Just William
Just William
Just William is the first book of children's short stories about the young school boy William Brown, written by Richmal Crompton, and published in 1922. The book was the first in the series of William Brown books which was the basis for numerous television series, films and radio adaptations...
books of Richmal Crompton
Richmal Crompton
Richmal Crompton Lamburn was a British writer, most famous for her Just William humorous short stories and books.-Life:...
.
Character arc
The Black Adder (pilot)
A possible early interpretation of the Blackadder Queen Elizabeth character was portrayed four years before Miranda Richardson's role. Prior to the production of the first Blackadder seriesThe Black Adder
The Black Adder is the first series of the BBC situation comedy Blackadder, written by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson, directed by Martin Shardlow and produced by John Lloyd...
, a pilot episode was shot in 1982 which was set in the Elizabethan Era
Elizabethan era
The Elizabethan era was the epoch in English history of Queen Elizabeth I's reign . Historians often depict it as the golden age in English history...
. This episode, which has never been televised, featured a fictitious King and Queen of England. The Queen, played by Elspet Gray
Elspet Gray
Elspeth Jean Gray, Baroness Rix is a Scottish actress, known for her work on British television in the 1970s and '80s...
, is not explicitly named as Elizabeth, but wears a costume and hairstyle which closely resemble those of traditional images of Queen Elizabeth I. In the first televised series, Elspet Gray's Queen character evolved into Gertrude of Flanders
Gertrude of Flanders
Gertrude of Flanders is a fictional character in the popular BBC sitcom Blackadder . She was played by Elspet Gray.In the series, she is the Queen of Flanders in her own right and the wife of King Richard of England and Scotland and mother of Princes Harry and Edmund.In attitude, Gertrude mainly...
when the setting was shifted back to the 15th Century.
Blackadder II
The role of Elizabeth I was revived for the second series, Blackadder IIBlackadder II
Blackadder II is the second series of the BBC situation comedy Blackadder, written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, which aired from 9 January 1986 to 20 February 1986...
, in which "Queenie" plays an important role, frequently ordering Lord Blackadder
Lord Blackadder
Edmund Blackadder, Lord Blackadder is the main character in the second series of the popular BBC sitcom Blackadder. He is played by Rowan Atkinson.The second series is set in Elizabethan England, and Edmund is a courtier to Queen Elizabeth I...
to Richmond Palace
Richmond Palace
Richmond Palace was a Thameside royal residence on the right bank of the river, upstream of the Palace of Westminster, to which it lay 9 miles SW of as the crow flies. It it was erected c. 1501 within the royal manor of Sheen, by Henry VII of England, formerly known by his title Earl of Richmond,...
. The Queen always holds court in the company of her deranged former nurse, Nursie
Nursie
Nursie is a fictional character in the second series of the popular BBC sitcom Blackadder II. She was played by Patsy Byrne and appeared in all six episodes. She also appeared in two of the Blackadder specials; Blackadder's Christmas Carol and Blackadder: Back & Forth...
(Patsy Byrne
Patsy Byrne
Patsy Byrne is an English actress.-Biography:She was educated at Ashford School for Girls, and attended the school around the same time as Lorna Fendall, and Joanna Brough, daughter of Arthur Brough...
) and the obsequious Lord Melchett (Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry
Stephen John Fry is an English actor, screenwriter, author, playwright, journalist, poet, comedian, television presenter and film director, and a director of Norwich City Football Club. He first came to attention in the 1981 Cambridge Footlights Revue presentation "The Cellar Tapes", which also...
). She commands Blackadder to carry out a variety of tasks, some important (such as appointing Blackadder as the Lord High Executioner in "Head
Head (Blackadder)
"Head" is the second episode of the BBC period comedy Blackadder II, the second series of Blackadder, which was set in Elizabethan England from 1558 to 1603.-Plot:...
") and some petty (such as repeatedly summoning Blackadder to her only for it to turn out as a childish practical joke designed to extract money from him in "Money
Money (Blackadder)
"Money" is the fourth episode of the BBC sitcom Blackadder II, the second series of Blackadder, which was set in Elizabethan England from 1558 to 1603.-Plot:...
"). The only times she is seen out of her palace are to visit a prisoner up for execution and to sneak into Blackadder's "boys' party", the latter resulting in her getting drunk then forgetting what she was going to do, which was execute everyone at the party. The Queen demonstrates feelings for Blackadder that, on occasion, the audience is given cause to believe may border on something deeper than casual flirting. For instance, she is somewhat jealous upon learning that Blackadder intends to marry Kate, feeling better only when he mentions that her nose is prettier than Kate's (threatening to cut it off if it not, and forcing Blackadder to "marry someone without a nose".) Furthermore, on one occasion, she declares that she is keen on him, and on another, she declares that she would like to marry him.
Blackadder’s Christmas Carol
Miranda Richardson reprised the role of Queenie in Blackadder's Christmas CarolBlackadder's Christmas Carol
Blackadder's Christmas Carol is a one-off episode of Blackadder, a parody of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. It is set between Blackadder the Third and Blackadder Goes Forth , and is narrated by Hugh Laurie...
(1988). This special presents new-footage flashbacks to the second and third series of Blackadder through the use of a Dickensian framing device
Framing device
The term framing device refers to the usage of the same single action, scene, event, setting, or any element of significance at both the beginning and end of an artistic, musical, or literary work. The repeated element thus creates a ‘frame’ within which the main body of work can develop.The...
. In look back to the age of Blackadder II, Elizabeth bans Christmas because it bores her only subsequently to decide she will execute Edmund because he didn't get her a present. Naturally, he escapes his fate, and manages to get Melchett sentenced to death instead. She also plays Queen Asphyxia XIX, ruler of the Universe.
Blackadder: Back and Forth
In the millenniumMillennium
A millennium is a period of time equal to one thousand years —from the Latin phrase , thousand, and , year—often but not necessarily related numerically to a particular dating system....
special Blackadder: Back & Forth
Blackadder: Back & Forth
Blackadder: Back & Forth is a 1999 short film based on the BBC mock-historical comedy series Blackadder that marks the end of the Blackadder saga...
(1999), a time travel
Time travel in fiction
Time travel is a common theme in science fiction and is depicted in a variety of media. It simply means either going forward in time or backward, to experience the future, or the past.-Literature:...
retrospective and finale to the saga, Richardson portrays Elizabeth once again. In the episode's present-day narrative, she portrays a Sloane Ranger
Sloane Ranger
The term Sloane Ranger refers to a stereotype in the UK of young, upper class or upper-middle-class women, or men who share distinctive and common lifestyle traits...
Lady Elizabeth who is a friend of the contemporary Edmund Blackadder; she is shocked to discover that Queen Elizabeth's crown fits her head perfectly.