As I am sure many of you know that alongside this blog I also portray Queen Victoria all over the country as a historical interpreter. From stately homes like Belvoir castle and Brighton's Royal Pavillion to independent museums such as Vale and Downland museum and Valance House, I have portrayed Queen Victoria for 6 years now up and down the country. With the run up to my 6th year anniversary of portraying QV i thought it was time to do a Q&A with my followers and friends. I asked over on my Facebook and Instagram pages what questions they would like to ask me. My friends and followers did a fantastic job of sending in their questions to me and I am finally able to share the answers with you!
What got you into historical interpretation/costuming and how long have you been doing it?
I first began my portrayal of Queen Victoria at aged 15 when I was attending a Dickensian festival in Kent which celebrates the links to Charles Dickens. I began making friends within the festival scene and soon became friends with Pete Meade the founder of The Proppers, Pete had suggested I take on the role of Young Queen Victoria. At first I was entirely reluctant and thought I could never fit into the role. But in May of that year I took the plunge and brought a white dress which was inspired by an 1840's evening gown. I researched Queen Victoria's regalia and began making my own Lesser George and Garter breast star, my regalia making skills stretched as far as making my own version of The George IV Diadem out of craft foam and rhinestones. Although the attire was far from completely authentic it gave me a sense of gratification. 6 years on and I am still portraying Queen Victoria but I am relieved to say that my portrayal is much more authentic nowdays.
What is your favourite thing about acting as Queen Victoria?
One of my most favourite things about portraying Queen Victoria is showing people that Victoria wasn't just the widow in weeds traipsing through the halls of Osborne House. I get to help show people that Queen Victoria was once a vivacious young lady who loved to drink, dance and stay up late. She was a young woman who never let her opinion be faltered and always stood her ground. A lot of people also think she was never into fashion and was rather frumpy but that's far from the truth, Victoria was conscious of what she wore and how she influenced her subjects. I also love being able to portray Queen Victoria alongside my partner as Prince Albert, the connection between us is authentic when portraying V&A which adds just that little more realism.
Do you work on your own?
Although my last answer pretty much answered this question, it is a little more in-depth than just me and my partner. When portraying V&A at smaller events or talks it is often just us two but on a larger scale event we often work with other historical interpreters or companies that specialise in living history. Some events require a large number of actors and some just require one or two. Last August we joined BKH for a Victorian garden party where we had a guard of honour and a whole entourage of Victorian civilians. When I am giving a 'Dressing Queen Victoria' talk I will often have just my dressers.
One of the most important changes the role has given you?
One of the biggest changes for me was stepping into adulthood not just in the role but as a person myself, I have grown with the role and the role has grown with me. I often read Queen Victoria's diary deciphering her feelings and actions which often inspire my own. We have to remember Queen Victoria herself came to the throne at such a tender age and was almost oblivious on how a Queen should convey herself which is very relatable, it's often hard to find how to convey oneself so putting on a costume and being a character really helps you think about how you hold and present yourself. Another one of my most important changes has been differentiating myself from hobby to professionalism. I may enjoy dressing up in costumes and pretending to be some else but there is a threshold i have to reach to present an authentic and believable portrayal. The point where I began providing interpretation and talks on a professional level was a really big change for me but it allowed me to improve my role.
Do you make your costumes yourself?
I am a seamstress and currently studying costume construction at university but I do not make the outer garments for my royalty portrayal as they have to be the best of the best and my skills are not up to that standard just yet. I have made my own crinoline for my late 1850's dress as well as petticoats. I also made two garter riband's with authentic grosgrain ribbon and my own replica of Queen Victoria Garter armlet which I hand soldered to be as close to the original as possible.
Do you own any Royal replicas?
Do i?! Gosh I have almost lost count. From replicas of regalia to replicas of Queen Victoria's clothing, my collection is starting to get a bit out of hand. I have a handful of crowns and tiaras which were created by the UK's leading replica jewellery manufacturers as well as intricate replicas of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's Order of The Garter regalia. I also strive to get the small details right including a replica of Queen Victoria's engagement ring, sapphire brooch, bar brooches and a heart locket she wore day and night which contained a lock of Prince Albert's hair. But my favourite replica has to be my replica of Queen Victoria's state robes which were kindly gifted to me a few years ago.
Do you portray any other characters?
I first started out as a Victorian civilian which eventually branched out onto Queen Victoria but I now portray a whole range of characters. From Florence Nightingale, A chimney sweep, a costermonger, an Anglo Saxon, a lady called Fanny Duberly, who witnessed the charge of the light brigade from horseback, an Edwardian housekeeper to a 1940's civilian! I have so many characters under my belt it's hard to keep track.
Has portraying Queen Victoria made you feel a genuine connection to her?
Becuase I have grown up with the role I have definitely felt I can relate to Queen Victoria on a personal level, becoming Queen at a young age, taking on such heavy responsibilities and learning from her mistakes has definitely reflected in my life too. A lot of people who portray Queen Victoria do it so they can wear pretty gowns and jewellery but I personally resonate with Victoria on a daily basis, I spend at least two hours a day researching Queen Victoria which has made me feel as if I know her as a person. Victoria's diaries have given me an insight into her life and has luckily brought me closer to her personality than any other person in history. I have travelled in Queen Victoria's footsteps up and down the country and portraying Queen Victoria in places she visited is really special, almost magical!
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