Emma Palmer, most recognised for being on ABC’s Play School since 2011, stars as The Queen Mother in Ensemble Theatre’s The Queen’s Nanny.
Tell us about your character.
I play Queen Elizabeth – or who we all know as The Queen Mother. But the vast majority of our play takes place while she is the queen and Lilibet (Queen Elizabeth II) is a young girl. My character was known for her grace, charm, and her role as a symbol of British resilience during World War II. She also loved a drink… I can relate!
What do you find most challenging about bringing your character to life on stage?
The Queen Mother was a force larger than life. She is known for her charisma and sense of fun which our playwright Melanie Tait has relished in the writing of her. When she makes an entrance, she is cheeky and precocious and has loads of cracking lines. All of which is wonderful to act. But the challenge is ensuring I also show the side of her that is truly human. Her hurt, her neurosis, her failings. I think that’s really important so that she’s charming, but you also see a truth in her.
Why should people see this show?
There’s loads of reasons! The first being that this story of Marion Crawford – the woman who nannied Queen Elizabeth II – is such an interesting story. She essentially gave up her own life to be the Governess to two little princesses. And then in a bizarre twist the Royal family put her in touch with an American journalist so she could write some articles about their family, but then ultimately turned on her for doing so! So, on the one hand it’s a fascinating story. Our play also comments from an Australian perspective about the relevance of this bizarre institution which as a country we are still so strongly linked. And then finally it is wonderfully theatrical. Priscilla Jackman, our director, is a brilliant curator of theatrical experiences. You may have recently seen some of her work – RGB and The Cost of Living – both highly acclaimed productions at the STC. In The Queen’s Nanny she has created a visually rich play that in the intimate Ensemble space will be quite a treat!
How do you like to spend your time when you’re not rehearsing or performing?
Doing laundry!! I have two young kids – 9 and 5 years old – so you can probably fill in the gaps!! In fact, the rehearsal room feels a bit like having time off!!
But this year, the ‘sport’ factor has really gone up a notch in our family. Winter has been all about under 9s and under 5s AFL. My partner is the coach of my daughter’s team and I’m self-appointed sideline social liaison! I love chatting to all the other parents, introducing people and making sure everyone’s having fun. I never imagined I’d get so much joy out of being part of a community sports club, but it’s been really fun. And who doesn’t love a bacon and egg roll every weekend!
I also like to go to the theatre, I spend a lot of time in my garden trying not to kill it (not my natural habitat) and I love cooking with my kids – when they do what I tell them to!
The Queen’s Nanny is on at Ensemble Theatre from 6th September to 12th October 2024. Tickets available from https://www.ensemble.com.au/shows/the-queens-nanny/