# Hallelujah www.able.co.nz Able 2019 # Gloriana # Hallelujah # Gloriana, hallelujah # Hallelujah! # (MEN SING) # ..de la Patrie # Le jour de gloire est arrive... # -(GUNFIRE AND BOOMING) -(GLASS SHATTERS) (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) (SPEAKS FRENCH) -(BANG!) -(CROWD ROARS) MAN: Suivez-moi, Votre Majeste. (GLORIOUS CHORAL MUSIC) Sir Josiah. Oh, thank you. Sir, the French king has been deposed. VICTORIA: So, how can the French do that - get rid of their king in an afternoon? They have done it before. And there are revolutions all across Europe. Vienna, Berlin. Leopold is worried about Belgium. Oh, thank God for the English Channel. I'm not sure that will be enough. Ideas can swim. (MOROSE MUSIC) - WOMAN: Danke schon. - MAN: Ma'am. (MEN SHOUT) SPEAKER: Order! As Foreign Secretary, I have congratulated the new French republic on their liberation from an odious tyrant. And I act with the full support of the Prime Minister. (MEN LAUGH) The autocrats of Europe will lie uneasy in their beds tonight knowing that the French people have risen up against an unjust king. (MEN JEER) Ohh! Marrons glaces! My favourite. Emma! It's such a comfort to have you back. I'm against party politics, of course, but my Whig ladies are so much more attentive. And my new Mistress of the Robes has settled in nicely, haven't you, Sophie? I'm afraid my grasp of protocol is woeful. I have no idea whether a bishop should take precedence over a marquess. My husband is afraid I shall make some terrible gaffe. Not at all, my dear! Your enthusiasm more than makes up for your inexperience. I'm not worried in the least, Duchess. I like to have my friends about me. When I think of poor Louis Philippe... (WHISPERS INDISTINCTLY) Without our permission? Then Lord Palmerston needs to explain himself. (PEOPLE CHEER) After you, sir. MAN: We're with you, Pam! God bless you, Pam! God bless you. You've such a vulgar following, Palmerston. There's nothing vulgar about the British public, Russell. Oh! Ah, no time for that, Mr Penge. The Prime Minister and Lord Palmerston are on their way. Palmerston, eh? Make sure you stay out of sight, girls. No woman is safe. (PLAYFUL, GRAND MUSIC) PALMERSTON: Afternoon. -Prime Minister. -Majesty. PALMERSTON: Your Majesty. Your Royal Highness. Do you know why we asked you here? Because I'm an asset to any gathering, ma'am? We have been informed that you have been corresponding with the revolutionary government in France. I wrote to Monsieur Lamartine to congratulate him on his speedy resolution to the crisis. (LAUGHS) You congratulated him on deposing the king? Did you approve this, Prime Minister? I can't say that I actually... I acted on my own initiative, ma'am. You had no right to do such a thing in our... ..in the Queen's name. Perhaps not, sir, but I speak for the people. They believe that the day when Europe is ruled by despots is coming to an end. ALBERT: You forget, Lord Palmerston, that you are talking about our family and friends. I'm sure that in the future, the Foreign Secretary will send copies of his correspondence here first. You seem very sure of what the people think, Lord Palmerston. I make it my business, ma'am. The British public is like a beautiful woman. And I wish to glory in her smiles. King Louis Philippe has been forced to flee with his tail between his legs. I wonder where he'll go. PENGE: As long as he knows he's not welcome here. MAN: There he is. Judging from the size of you, you must be the new footman. Joseph Wells, sir. And where do you come from, Joseph? Uh, Chatsworth, sir. I was Her Grace's footman. PENGE: From what I hear, I'm surprised she could part with a strapping fellow like you. The Duke gave me a very good character, sir. Chatsworth is a fair-sized establishment, I dare say, but this is the Palace, and we expect the highest standards from our servants. Yes, sir. Oh! I just went and got some milk. Just like a chocolate milkshake, only crunchy! Who won the race to the shop? BOTH: I did. Yes, sir. (BELL RINGS) MAN: I say to you this is a time of reckoning for working men everywhere. Louis Philippe has abdicated because the French people would not tolerate aristocracy any longer. And I say the time has come for the workers of this country to do the same. I believe we should swear allegiance not to the Queen but to the People's Charter. (PEOPLE JEER) And I say, Cuffay, that no good will come of this kind of revolutionary talk. We will win the day not by force but by numbers! PEOPLE: Yes! MAN: When the government sees the multitudes marching on London to present our petition, signed by millions, they will understand there is no power greater than that of the people! (ALL CHEER) -What's your name? -Samuel Price. I'm Abigail. Make your mark there, Mr Price, and I will write your name beside it. I have to get back to the Queen. No! But we're engaged. We have to wait. I'm not leaving here in disgrace. (BOTH SIGH) GIRL: Eight tens are 80, eight elevens are 88 and eight twelves are 96. Would you like me to do it in French now, Lady Lyttelton? Not now, dear. It's Bertie's turn. But Bertie hates multiplication. Don't you, Bertie? I like...running! (GIGGLES) -Papa. -Bertie. -Good afternoon, Mama. -Good afternoon. Do I not get a curtsy? You are not the sovereign, Papa. Oh, I see. (GASPS) May I try it on, Mama? Be careful, darling. It's very heavy. Shall we see how you look in it, Bertie? Crowns are for girls. -A letter, ma'am. -Thank you. Uh-uh-uh! Louis Philippe. Asking if we will...take him in. DRIVER: Whoa! Albert, we can't turn him away. No, perhaps not, but my fear is that if we start allowing this palace to become a sanctuary... Your Majesty... Oh, I beg your pardon, sir. Your Majesty, your sister is here. Sister? Feodora? (SOBS) Oh, Feo. Oh, it is you! How? Why? Drina! Look at you! Feo... I have not stopped for three days. (SIGHS) And this is Cousin Albert! Oh, I am so happy to meet you at last. And the children! Oh, this must be Vicky. Such a kleine Madchen. And this... This is little Albert. Oh, he looks just like you did at that age, Drina. Ah! And so many children! (CHUCKLES) And another one along the way. This is...so unexpected. I had no time to write. I was so frightened that the mob would catch me. -The mob? -Bertie, Vicky, come along. (WHISPERS) I was taking the waters in Baden when the riots started against the king. I could not go back to Langenburg, to my husband and my children. It was too dangerous. And so I exchanged clothes with my maid and took a place in a coach to Ostend. I was afraid that I would be recognised. Not for myself, of course, but for my connection to you. ALBERT: You did the right thing. -Mmm. -VICTORIA: Yes, indeed. I am so glad to see you. After all these years! My own dear little sister. (CHUCKLES) SOPHIE: She doesn't look like a princess. Her Serene Highness Princess Feodora, the Queen's half-sister. LORD ALFRED: Fallen on hard times. I didn't know she had a sister. LADY EMMA: From her mother's first marriage. I think we'd all forgotten. Even the Queen. To arrive like that with no warning... -Really, it's... -ALBERT: Her life was in danger. How long is she going to stay? It's hardly convenient at the moment. We've got Louis Philippe to deal with. Victoria, she's your sister. It's not like you and Ernst. I hardly know her. She left me to get married when I was... Oh! Forgive me! I was looking for my room and... ..now I am lost. (LAUGHS) What a change from dear Kensington. Everything here is so...imposing. Oh, Bertie, it is not a toy! It's for doing sums. -(GASPS) -VICTORIA: Bertie! Give this to Aunt Feo and apologise for being so clumsy. Sorry, Aunt Feo. Look, there's a hole in your skirt. Ah! Such moths in Langenburg. Why don't you get your maid to sew it up? Listen to this. "We need the forcible overthrow "of all existing social conditions. "Workers of the world, unite. "You have nothing to lose but your chains." -Who said that? -Karl Marx. The communist? VICTORIA: Well, Mr Marx should be told that the English are never going to unite with foreigners. Actually, Victoria, there are reports of Chartists going to Paris to congratulate Lamartine. That doesn't mean they're going to unite with him. How can you be so sure? You know nothing of how these people live. You do? No. But I'm going to find out. Ah! Here you are, Miss Skerrett. 24 pairs with a number and initial in each one. Very nice! As usual. I could never get stitches that small. I always try to give satisfaction. And I need the work, so... I didn't take you for a Chartist, Abigail. Born to it, you might say. My father was at Peterloo. And you believe in these... six points? ABIGAIL: Working men need the vote. And what about working women? -Rome wasn't built in a day. -(CHUCKLES) (WHISPERS) Stop it! Do you think you could contrive to leave the Palace for an hour? I have something I want to show you. What is it? -A surprise. -(LAUGHS) -(CHILD COUGHS) -(DOG BARKS) (WHISPERS) All of these people, they live here? WOMAN: Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Thank you. (DOOR OPENS) There are 14 people living in there. They are human beings and yet they are being forced to live like vermin. FEODORA: Ah! I used to come here with you on that little Shetland pony King George gave you. Nasty animal! It was always biting me. Such happy times. VICTORIA: That's not how I remember Kensington, but you left when I was... -Nine. -Your departure was so sudden. But of course, you were in a hurry to get married. What about you, Sophie? Were you in a fever of impatience to start your married life? My mother was. She always wanted me to be a duchess. I couldn't wait to marry the Prince. But, of course, I had no other ties. (MEN SHOUT) -My money's on the Englishman. -Very good, sir. Come on, Billy! Bless you, Pam. This is just how the mob sounded in Baden. Are you sure we are safe in the open, Drina? I don't need to hide from my subjects. Oh, get up! Up, up, up! (SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY) -Two! Three! -Come on, Billy! Four! Go on! Get him! Go on! Yes! Yeah! Well played, sir. Good old Pam! What on earth is causing that commotion? SOPHIE: Lord Palmerston, ma'am. (BELLS RING) (WHISTLE BLOWS) VICTORIA: Awful, awful man. Do you know what I saw today? I saw 14 people... He was in the park, cavorting with the crowds as if he were P.T. Barnum himself. Albert, he's vulgar! PENGE: I do apologise, Your Majesty. The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary are waiting in the drawing room, Your Majesty. They insist it is a matter of some urgency, ma'am. Oh, Lord. What now? Well, 'Palmer' is 'pilger' in German, and 'stone' is 'stein'. So take your time. I do not mind keeping Lord Pilgerstein waiting. It has everything we're looking for, Nancy. Five parlour bedrooms, and a dining room that seats 50. It's perfect! I hope this is the right time to be doing this. Why wouldn't it be? We're working people just like them. I've spent my whole life trying to be more than that. This collar. The Queen got me this. And these stockings. She made me, Charles. What am I gonna be without her? You underestimate yourself. Hmm! -(CLOCK CHIMES) -(VICTORIA CLEARS THROAT) -Prime Minister. -Your Majesty. Please, sit. You have urgent business, Prime Minister? RUSSELL: I'm afraid the Chartists, ma'am, seem minded to follow the example of the French. There have been disturbances across the capital... I believe what the Prime Minister is trying to say is that the Chartists mean revolution, ma'am. Well, then we - the ruling class - must give them an alternative. If we give the vote to an illiterate mob, we're signing our own death warrants, sir. Only today, Lord Palmerston, I have seen people living in conditions which are infernal. We must do something, otherwise... With respect, sir, now is not the time for do-gooding. RUSSELL: The Chartists are planning a mass protest on April 10 that in our opinion... ..will be the spark that lights the tinderbox. But do you have any proof? I don't believe my people wish me harm. I imagine that's what Louis Philippe thought, ma'am. Well, you can ask him yourself at dinner tomorrow. Unless you have a boxing match you wish to go to. I am sorry to bother you, but my wig... It's moulting. (CHUCKLES) Some of the pomade fell into the Prince's tea. He didn't notice, but Mr Penge did. Oh, don't mind Mr Penge. He hates anything new on principle. I was the youngest to ever make first footman in Chatsworth, but here.... It's not easy, working here. Penge is a curmudgeon. The waiters are terrible. But when I'm with Her Majesty, doing her hair, well... She isn't just a lady of fashion. She relies on me to look her best. And... ..maybe it's silly, but... ..when I send her out there, looking like a queen... ..I feel like I'm making a little part of history. Um...goose fat and white lead. That's what this wig needs. (FOOTSTEPS APPROACH) Shall I come back, ma'am? (SOFTLY) Do you think they hate me, Skerrett? Who, ma'am? VICTORIA: Chartists. Do they want to... ..cut off my head? -Kill my children? -Of course they don't! Chartists are ordinary working people, ma'am. Not murderers. I can introduce you to one, if you like. She does some of Your Majesty's embroidery. Victoria. Louis Philippe is arriving. Yes. I've been so cold! Thank you for taking me in. We are only repaying your hospitality. ALBERT: You are welcome while you are considering your future. Alas, I have no future. Like the prodigal son, I have squandered my patrimony. The love of my people. And your family? Scattered across Europe. I pray that I will live to see them again. I too pray I will see my family again. But at least I have the consolation of my beloved sister. I hope I do not bring trouble with me. I'm not popular with your countrymen, ma chere cousine. You're our guest, Louis Philippe. That's all that matters. (SPEAKS FRENCH) I don't want to be the stupid king! Don't worry. I know Bertie's part. Oh! What a temper. He's just cross with himself. My son's the same. He hates being in the wrong. (WHISPERS) Victoria, he has to learn to control himself. (VICTORIA WHISPERS) He's passionate. Mama, Papa, I'm still performing. LOUIS PHILIPPE: I'm listening, my little Jeanne d'Arc. If we are to act against the Chartists, we will need evidence of conspiracy. I put agents in place after the riots, Prime Minister, but these things take time. We don't have time. Just get the proof, man. Whatever it takes. I don't know why we don't just lock 'em all up. (SCOFFS) If the crowds that cheer you on could hear you now. They know I'm a patriot first and foremost, Russell. I wish you would call me Prime Minister. Liberty and confusion abroad, peace and stability at home. That's my motto, Prime Minister. (MEN CHEER) We must be ready to take action - peaceably if we may, forcibly if we must. PEOPLE: Yes! Uh, where do I sign? Just here, Mr... Uh, Fitzgerald. Patrick Fitzgerald. What happened to your finger? Got too close to an English musket fighting for my home. I was being evicted so my Lord Wexford's cattle could graze unimpeded. Oh, we welcome our Irish brethren to the cause, Mr Fitzgerald. SPEAKER: He has no right to be there! The ruling class can no longer prosper by trampling on working men. What about working women? Do they not get trampled on too? They know how to take care of themselves. (ALL CHEER) Just make sure that Palmerston is sat at the other end of the table. I don't want that awful booming voice in my ear. And do ask your husband, Sophie. He might be able to keep the Foreign Secretary in check. And, Feodora, you should sit next to Palmerston. You can tell him about your ordeal in Baden. You'll have to excuse me, Drina, but I have nothing suitable to wear. You must look through some of my clothes. You are so thoughtful, Drina, but don't you think the skirts would be a little short? (CHUCKLES) Well, I suppose you're a little taller than me. But perhaps Skerrett can add a ruffle. She's so clever at things like that. BERTIE: Aunt Feo? Why are you making that face, Aunt Feo? I am remembering an old friend. A fat friend! That is your Great-Uncle George, Bertie. We used to have tea together. And we would always have meringues, because he knew they... ..they were my favourite. I love meringues. One day, Bertie, you will be a king, just like him. No, I won't, because in Britain, we have queens. Would you like to be a queen, Aunt Feo? What a funny boy you are. (PEN SCRATCHES) Skerrett. My sister wants some new clothes. (GROANS) I thought perhaps you could alter some of mine. Certainly, ma'am. VICTORIA: Who's this? May I present Abigail Turner? I mentioned her to you yesterday. Miss Turner is acquainted with the Chartists, ma'am. My ministers tell me you want to get rid of me and found a republic. No, Your Majesty! We want justice, not revolution. VICTORIA: Really? The quarrel, ma'am, it's not with you, but with the government that gives the working man no voice in his own affairs. How bold you are, Miss Turner. Well, my father used to say my tongue was sharper than my needle, but... I mean no disrespect, Your Majesty. Well, I shall take you at your word. But only because Skerrett has vouched for you. Ma'am. (PEOPLE CHATTER QUIETLY) How are you finding your duties, my dear? Not too taxing, I hope? I think the Queen finds me satisfactory. -In fact, she gave me this. -Hmm. Fetching. What a shame you're wearing it incorrectly. Sophie, the Queen asked me if you'd look over the place cards. She says you are so good at these things. Just so you know, there is no correct place for you to wear the brooch from the Queen. Did you know that my father was once a shopkeeper? Really? Mine was a parson, but I try not to hold it against him. What a lucky man you are, Monmouth. And she's as rich as Croesus too, I hear. I don't need reminding that her family are little more than grocers, Palmerston. (PALMERSTON SPEAKS FRENCH) The famous Lord Palmerston, who was so quick to acknowledge the new republic. I congratulated the new government on resolving a period of instability. You know, if I was not a Frenchman, ..I should wish to be an Englishman. And if I were not an Englishman, I should wish to be a... ..an Englishman. -VICTORIA: Prime Minister. -Ma'am. Duke, you must forgive me for stealing your wife from you. She's such a charming companion. I'm delighted that you think so, ma'am. Feodora! How different you look. It's funny - when we lived at Kensington, you used to wear my clothes. And now I'm wearing yours! (GIGGLES) Louis Philippe, will you take my sister into dinner? There is some consolation in exile after all. (FEODORA LAUGHS) I think we'll have over a million signatures by the time we take this to Parliament. -If we ever get there. -Of course we will. The government would like to ban us completely. And if Cuffay starts a riot because the French king is staying with the Queen, they won't hesitate. Well, surely Cuffay's not stupid enough to go to the Palace. Isn't he? (SIGHS) (SPRIGHTLY PIANO TUNE PLAYS) How long will the king be staying with you, ma'am? For as long as he needs to. I appreciate your loyalty to a fellow sovereign. I just hope there are no repercussions. There is no danger of that. I know where my duty lies and my people know that. Oh, I hope so. These days, you can't be too careful with the company you keep. Indeed I can't, Lord Palmerston. ALBERT: It appears that diplomacy is not one of your talents, Foreign Secretary. Perhaps, but, um, patriotism is. I would hate to see the Queen suffer the same fate as her guest. And you dare to say that to me. Public opinion is a fickle beast. If the Queen continues to surround herself with, um, foreigners, I can't be answerable for the consequences. That's enough. Hello again. Can I help you with that? What have you got in there? Gold bullion! Her Majesty's undergarments, if you please. Working for the Queen? And you a Chartist. The Chartists have no quarrel with Her Majesty. And the work's well paid. I wish there was more of it. Well, I'm surprised a fine-looking woman like you doesn't have a husband to provide for her. The franchise comes first, Mr Fitzgerald. I want to marry a free man. "A vote for every man over 21 years of age of sound mind "and not undergoing punishment for crime." Payment for members of parliament. Perhaps I will run in the next election! Hear ye, hear ye. The Honourable Archibald Brodie. One man, one vote, indeed! If you want mob rule, go and live in France. Do you have the vote, Mr Penge? I think a man like yourself is worthy of a say in the management of his country's affairs. LOUIS PHILIPPE: I'm afraid Lord Palmerston is right. I have brought you nothing but trouble. VICTORIA: Absolutely not. If anyone has brought trouble, it's...Lord Palmerston. (DOG BARKS) Victoria, it is from Leopold. He is in Ostend. The revolution has spread to Belgium. I think it is time that we left for the Isle of Wight. Osborne House is ready now. We can head there. I'm not going to run away. You should listen to your husband, ma chere. My father lost his head to Madame La Guillotine. I wouldn't want you to share the same fate. The Chartists want the vote, not a republic. Well, how can you be so sure? Because we are English, Albert. We may grumble, we may protest. We are not a revolutionary people. The French king is eating roast beef at the Palace when he should be in the Tower. (CROWD CHEERS) I say we should rectify the situation! It's the drink talking, Samuel Cuffay. Remember what Mr O'Connor says. We're a movement, not a mob. And that's why the French have a republic and we have a Charter. Go home and sleep it off, Cuffay! Vive la republic! Would you like me to keep an eye on him? Are you sure you know what you're doing? You can rely on me, Miss Turner. CUFFAY: To the Palace! To the Palace! (DOOR OPENS) Do you play? The evenings are long in Langenburg. Oh. I would be delighted to have an opponent. I really am sorry that your first visit is at such a difficult time. Victoria should have asked you sooner. I'm just happy to be here. At last. I want so much to be of use. Well, in that case, you can help me try and persuade Victoria to go to Osborne. She is, um... (SIGHS) ..rather stubborn. Stubborn. I see it in Bertie also. But I can send Bertie to the nursery when he has a tantrum. (LAUGHS) Victoria's lucky to have a husband like you. Check. I can see you are, as the English say, beating me at my own game. (CHUCKLES) (MOB SINGS) # A hundred years, a thousand years # We're marching on the road # The going isn't easy... # There are police reports of rioting connected with the recent... He was a thorn in your side when he was King of France. He's causing you more trouble now he's here. You should never have let him come. You, Lord Palmerston, are quick to applaud revolution abroad, but what have you done for the workers of this country? Do you ever deign to look out of the window of your carriage? This country needs more than bluster. It needs change. I think the Chartists might agree with you, sir. Lord Palmerston... You have my permission to withdraw. I cannot tolerate that man any longer. Did she call for my head? The Queen said she would be happy to accept your resignation. And you had to tell her that even though you'd like nothing better than to be rid of me, you need my support in the Commons otherwise you will be defeated in the next vote. Good evening, Duchess. Where are you off to? Lord Palmerston! -Prime Minister. -Duchess. I'm just on my way home. Alone? Where's Monmouth? At his club, I imagine. Isn't that where men of fashion go at this hour? I wouldn't. Perhaps I should take you. You shall do no such thing. We have to get back to the House and the Duchess should stay here. The streets are not safe. My master has spoken. Another time, perhaps. Please see this is taken to my room. With pleasure, Your Grace. She's a duchess and you're a footman. A junior one. You're not at Chatsworth anymore, Joseph. You'd do well to remember that. Understood, Mr Penge. I'd like to send him to the Tower! Yes, but, Victoria, on one point he was right. The situation is too unstable. We must leave London. I have told you, Albert, I will not run away! Wellington would call it a tactical retreat. The Chartists are angry, Victoria, and rightly so. The ruling class have failed them. This is a time of revolution. But we are vulnerable. (SIGHS) I do not wish to scare you, but when I think of the future... We have no choice. We leave tomorrow. (CROWD CHANTS) Vive la republic! Vive la republic! Vive la republic! (CROWD CHANTS OUTSIDE) We found a hotel. Now it's time we set the date. I thought the Queen would be safe. I can't leave her now. She needs me. No, no, darling. She employs you. I'm the one that needs you. So much. We shall take the train tomorrow morning. Please ensure the household is ready. -Yes, sir. -(CRASH!) Liebes! Are you alright? Are you hurt? Raise the alarm! My love, we must go. We must go, now. -Now! -No, Albert. Not now. (PANTS) My waters. Albert. Everything will be alright. (MEN SHOUT INDISTINCTLY) Vive la republic! Get back! -Clear off! -Move away from the fence! (HORSE WHINNIES) Get back away! SOPHIE: What's happening? The barbarians are at the gate, Your Grace. Mon Dieu! Sir, I don't think it's safe for you to be in here. (VICTORIA GROANS) -(PANTS) -(EXPLOSION) CUFFAY: Vive la republic! Death to the Queen! SONG: # Hallelujah # Gloriana # Hallelujah # Gloriana # Hallelujah # Hallelujah. #