Directed by Shekhar Kapur, and written by Michael Hirst, Elizabeth (1998) was well-received by both audiences and critics. In 1558, Roman Catholic Queen Mary dies and leaves the throne of England to her Protestant half-sister, Elizabeth. Religious bickering, heresy and political turmoil threatens to topple the monarchy as Elizabeth sets forth to guide England through one of it's most uncertain epochs following the reign of King Henry VIII. The story focuses on the early part of Elizabeth I's 40-year reign, with a sequel following nine years later in 2007. Great attention is given to historical detail in both set and costume design. The burning at the stake and beheading scenes, and their aftermaths, are particularly gruesome. Cate Blanchett delivers a star-making performance as Queen Elizabeth I. Geoffrey Rush is superb as her trusted advisor, Francis Walsingham. The supporting cast is wonderful as well, including Joseph Fiennes as Robert Dudley, Vincent Cassel, Richard Attenborough, John Gielgud as Pope Pius V and Daniel Craig as the zealous priest John Ballard.
Cate Blanchett: Elizabeth
Cate Blanchett: Elizabeth
Joseph Fiennes: Elizabeth
Cate Blanchett: Elizabeth
Joseph Fiennes and Cate Blanchett: Elizabeth
Geoffrey Rush: Elizabeth
Cate Blanchett: Elizabeth
John Gielgud and Daniel Craig: Elizabeth
: Elizabeth
Cate Blanchett and Joseph Fiennes: Elizabeth
Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush: Elizabeth
: Elizabeth
: Elizabeth
Cate Blanchett: Elizabeth
Cate Blanchett: Elizabeth
Cate Blanchett: Elizabeth
: Elizabeth
Cate Blanchett: Elizabeth
Cate Blanchett: Elizabeth
Daniel Craig: Elizabeth
Cate Blanchett and Richard Attenborough: Elizabeth
Salisbury Mansion. Worcester Historical Museum. Record Attendance. Travis Simpkins
Another successful evening… 4 nights in, and every night the attendance numbers have doubled or even tripled the records of previous years. Last night, I'm told the Salisbury Mansion entertained the largest crowd it has ever had for any kind of event in recent memory. The line of people waiting to get in is shown in the above photo at right. The Worcester Historical Museum really did a wonderful job of putting all this together. I'm proud to help, be involved and to have my artwork displayed inside the Mansion during this momentous program. -Travis Simpkins
Tonight, enjoy some 18th Century historical elegance and opulent Christmas decor with artwork by Travis Simpkins… Candlelight Tours of the Salisbury Mansion are this evening, from 4:30 to 7:30pm, for the Worcester Historical Museum's "Home for the Holidays" program. Open Thursday and Friday evenings through December 18. (Regular daytime hours are Thurs - Sat, 1-4pm through December 31st). Salisbury Mansion is located at 40 Highland Street, Worcester, MA, 01609. Admission: $8 for adults. $5 for members and children under 18.
