A Moment In Time

March23

H4>Richmond Theatre – Sunday 23rd March, 2003

An Elizabethan Revue for the 21st Century. A star-studded Royal Charity Gala Concert, marking the 400th anniversary of the death of Elizabeth I and featured surprise guest stars.

The event was in aid of the Mayor’s Charities and Arcadia In The City and was attended by Their Royal HIghnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex – Richard E Grant, Hannah Gordon, Robert Hardy and Bonnie Langford.

Shortly before the performance, a ring was dropped from the Gate House window in Richmond Palace to a waiting horseman. He then galloped across Richmond Green, which was encircled by 20 boy scouts holding torches, to present the ring to the HRH The Earl of Wessex – an echo of events in 1603 when Queen Elizabeth I died.

In the early hours of 24 March 1603 – Queen Elizabeth I died in Richmond Palace. Soon after, a horseman carrying a ring, set out for Edinburgh to inform the then King, James VI of Scotland, that he was now King James I of England – so reuniting the thrones of England & Scotland; local legend has it that the ring was taken from the dead Queen’s hand and was all James VI needed to know that he was now King of England.

Perfect moment…Backstage after the Royal gala at Richmond Theatre, Prince Edward greeted actor Richard E. Grant, a Petersham resident, and one of many stars taking part. More than 500 people gathered on Richmond Green to witness a unique event to commemorate the occasion.

The evening’s entertainment culminated in a specially commissioned Royal Charity Gala at Richmond Theatre in the presence of the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Below are some pics of REG backstage – as well as a short video message from him to the REGiment.

NOTE FROM SUE: Nikki shot the message and these pics with my new camera when we met Richard last Sunday for “A Moment In Time – A Royal Charity Gala Performance” at the Richmond Theatre. Jacki & Annie were also in attendance and we’ll be submitting a report of the event for the Temple soon.

SueW.