Queenie

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Queenie was a caricature of the historical figure Queen Elizabeth I of England, played by Miranda Richardson in the second series of the BBC 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.

Character

Far from the usual regal and austere depiction of Elizabeth I, 'Queenie', as she came to be known, is often childish and silly, but possessing a fiery temper. She readily threatens her courtiers with execution if they do not do as she wishes (or even just on a whim).

She is portrayed with the mannerisms of a spoilt schoolgirl who just happened to possess the kind of casual, autocratic power that could have someone put to death if their nose is prettier than hers - a power which she revels in. It has been remarked that she closely resembles the spoilt little girl Violet Elizabeth Bott (featured in the William books of Richmal Crompton), who is in the habit of ordering little boys about imperiously, lisping and tantrums; "I'll thcweam and thcweam until I'm thick!".

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.

It would appear that there was nothing Queenie likes more than to "get squiffy and seduce nobles" (and force presents off them on pain of death), when she isn't beheading them. A naughty schoolgirl at heart, Queenie loved to party, play games and get drunk. And if anyone fails to smile, let alone 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.

Character Development

Blackadder II

Throughout series two of Blackadder Queenie plays an important role, frequently ordering Lord Blackadder to Richmond Palace (in which she would always be in the company of her deranged former nurse, Nursie, and the toadying Lord Melchett). 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 "boy's party", the latter resulting in her getting drunk then forgetting what she was going to do, which was execute everyone at the party. Despite her behaviour, the audience is occasionally given cause to wonder if her feelings for Edmund actually go beyond casual flirtation and border on something deeper. Queenie tends to have highly suggestive dreams involving her sitting on a tree, or being a sausage roll. Other pursuits she enjoys include writing poetry and attending fancy dress parties. The final episode of series two documents that she was brutally murdered in 1566 by Prince Ludwig the Indestructible, who then, disguised as the Queen, assumed her identity, presumably reigning for 37 years, dying in 1603. This would explain Elizabeth's refusal ever to marry.

Non-series appearances

Miranda Richardson reprised the role of Queenie in Blackadder's Christmas Carol in which she bans Christmas because it bores her, then decides to execute Edmund because he didn't get her a present. Naturally, he escapes his fate, and manages to get Melchett executed instead. She also plays Queen Asphyxia XIX, ruler of the Universe.

In the millennium special Blackadder: Back & Forth, she reprises the role, and also plays a modern-day Sloane Ranger version of Queenie called Lady Elizabeth.

Notes and references

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