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Queen Anne (play) facts for kids

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Queen Anne is a play from 2015 written by British playwright Helen Edmundson. It tells the story of Anne, Queen of Great Britain. The play covers the time from just before Anne became queen in 1702 until her husband George's death in 1708. It mainly focuses on the strong friendship between Queen Anne and her close friend, Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough. Sarah had a big influence on Anne during this important time.

The play first opened at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon in November 2015 and ran until January 2016. The Royal Shakespeare Company performed it, and Natalie Abrahami directed the show. It later came to London, playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from June 30 to September 30, 2017. Emma Cunniffe played Queen Anne again, and Romola Garai took on the role of Sarah.

What the Play is About

The story begins in London in 1702. A gentleman's club is putting on a funny, loud show that makes fun of Princess Anne. It also jokes about her recent "phantom pregnancy" – meaning she thought she was pregnant but wasn't.

After the show, a woman named Abigail Hill meets Jonathan Swift and her cousin, Robert Harley. Robert Harley is a Tory politician and a leader in the government. Harley agrees to help Abigail get a job working for Princess Anne. To do this, he introduces Abigail to Anne's trusted friend, Sarah Churchill. In return, Abigail must give Harley information about what's happening in Anne's household.

Meanwhile, Sarah Churchill tells her husband, John Churchill (Duke of Marlborough), about her visit to Sophia of Hanover. Sophia is expected to be next in line for the throne because Anne has not had any children who survived.

King William III tries to make his sister-in-law Anne agree to let Sophia visit London. Anne is worried this visit will make people question her own right to be queen. But Sarah manages to convince Anne that it's a good idea.

Soon after, King William III dies in a horse riding accident, and Anne becomes queen. At first, she gets advice from Sidney Godolphin, Sarah, and the Whigs (another political group). But later, Anne starts to listen more to Harley and the Tories. She supports their ideas, like the Act of Union of 1707, which joined England and Scotland.

Later, Sarah shows Queen Anne a letter that makes Sarah look bad. But Abigail secretly tells Anne that Sarah and another person, Maynwaring, were actually behind the letter. Harley then arranges for Jonathan Swift to write something that makes fun of Sarah and her husband. It claims they used army money to build their grand home, Blenheim Palace.

Sarah is then forced to leave her important job as the Queen's money manager. But her relationship with her husband gets worse because he doesn't quit his job to support her. Sarah plans to publish her private letters with Anne to get back at the Queen for firing her. However, this plan fails. Her husband, John, decides to leave England instead of facing a trial. Sarah tries to meet Anne one last time, but their friendship is completely broken. Sarah then speaks to the audience, showing she is still defiant.

Cast (First Show in Stratford)

See also

  • The Favourite
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