Vicky Peirson, aka our 'Queenie' who took part in our recent Comedy Challenge at Cannizaro House, donned her crown to rule supreme as Queen Victoria for one night only, during the revival of Richmond's Victorian Evening which made a welcome return to the town's Christmas celebrations after 10 years. Read Vicky's account of the event… starting with a bit of seasonal poetry:
T’was some weeks afore Christmas when all through the town
The shoppers looked glum and most wore a frown.
The shops had hung tinsel and baubles with care,
In the hopes that this might entice more buyers there.
When out in the street, there arose such a clatter,
The folk lined the pavement to see what was the matter.
A parade was approaching led by pipers and bands;
Two carriages and an omnibus – the best in the land.
Queen Vic was arriving, the shops were alight,
The children were smiling and noise filled the night.
That’s just what was needed to dispel gloom and fear
Some good-hearted fun and pure Christmas cheer.
"Naturally we were all amused by Friday night’s extravaganza. I found the visual onslaught of virtual Victoriana most heart-warming. As my carriage, drawn by Gus and Withenshaw, two black beauties, rumbled its way along the possession route, I was struck by the loyalty of so many of my subjects, some of whom had gone to great lengths with their dress.
"What an array of entertainment………pipers, bands, stilt-walkers, carol singers, and more. Children everywhere having fun! Punch and Judy and Father Christmas for them. All quite delightful! I fear that some may have been more amused than others! But I hope the overall impression was one of good-hearted cheer and a most successful evening for the Victoria Foundation. My efforts at pint pulling at the Victoria pub had to be seen in context. I hope I did not let my subjects down."
Vicky Peirson
Pictured top to bottom: Vicky Peirson as Queen Victoria, Funny Women founder Lynne Parker & Lara A King, 2011 winner go all Victorian. Pictures courtesy of Pat Cunningham.
