Backstairs

Costumed performances for all ages

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When

Until 18 July 2025 (excluding 12 & 13 July)

11:30 - 15:45

Ticketing Information

Each performance will last 15 minutes.

Included in palace admission (Members go free)

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See important information below.

The Palace is fizzing with excitement as preparations are made for Queen Anne's arrival. Putting the finishing touches in place, the Queen's personal staff are checking up on the palace team's progress to make sure everything is under control, and nothing is out of place, not even a plate!

Looking forward to a well-earned rest at one of her favourite palaces, the Queen will be expecting the height of luxury, and a relaxing holiday free of palace scandals.

Will the teams working behind the scenes manage to pull together to deliver the most successful royal visit yet?

See individual performance timings below.

Performances

The arrival

11:30 & 14:30

King's Guard Chamber in William III's Apartments

Join in the hustle and bustle, as the palace staff prepare for Queen Anne's imminent arrival.

A night-time visitor

12:00 & 15:00

Queen's Guard Chamber in the Queen's State Apartments

The Page of the Backstairs knows a secret that puts the future of the country in his hands. What should be done?

The missing plate

12:30 & 15:30

Queen's Drawing Room in the Queen's State Apartments

Suspicions run high and threats are made when one of Queen Anne's favourite plates is found missing. Who is to blame, and will they get away with it?

A costumed performance about the lives of the people who worked for Queen Anne at Hampton Court Palace.

Important information

Content warning: some scenes contain ableist language and references to alcohol, ill health and child loss.

Credits

Producer
Debbie Hicks
www.debbiehicks.co.uk

Artistic Director and Dramaturg
Nick Delvalle

Stage managers

Emily Humphrys
Theo Hung
Rosie Morgan

Cast

Rue Blenkinsop - Jane, Necessary Woman to Mrs Atkinson's staff
Sophie Bryant - Mary, Scullery Maid
Alastair Coughlan - Mr Somerset English, Under-House Keeper to Hampton Court Palace
Joshua Davey - William, Second Scourer of the Privy Kitchen
Jermaine Green - John Bonin, Page of the Backstairs
Oliver Maynard - John Bonin, Page of the Backstairs
Madeline Pell - Mrs Elizabeth Atkinson, Body Laundress to Queen Anne

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