Eleanor (played by Joan Sanderson): I really think you two
should be getting dressed now.
Sarah (played by Prunella Scales): What?
Eleanor: Well it'll soon be the broadcast. You weren't
thinking of lolling around listening to Her Majesty in your night things were
you?
Sarah: Hmm.
Clare (played by Gerry Cowper): But Granny
Eleanor: You have to
have some standards.
Sarah: Yes. Yes of course. What's the time?
Eleanor: Well it's ... oh goodness, it's nearly half-past.
Clare: Well I haven't got time to get dressed.
Eleanor: No. Oh dear, you really should have set the alarm
earlier Sarah, then you'd have had time to make yourself look respectable like
me.
Sarah: Yes, you look very smart Mum.
Eleanor: Thank you dear.
Clare: I still think the hat's a bit much Granny.
Eleanore; We all show respect in our own ways Clare.
Clare: Of course.
Eleanor: That is those of us who have any idea what showing
respect means.
Clare: Listen Granny ....
Sarah (interrupting): It's nearly time. We'd better switch
on.
Eleanor: Yes. Er, Just a moment before you do. Clare. At
least do your dressing-gown up.
Clare: All right.
Eleanor: And empty that mouthful immediately. You can't
listen to the Queen witgh your mouth full.
Sarah; Oh mother!
Eleanor: Quiet Sarah. And Sarah for heavens sakes sit up
straight.
Sarah: Better?
Eleanor: It'll have to do. You might at least have run a
comb through your hair. Now don't frown Clare. (clears throat) Very well Sarah
dear, you may switch the wireless on now.
FX: Sound of radio clicking on.
And there the programme ends. But back on Christmas Day
1987, Radio 4 continuity announcer Laurie MacMillan comes in with "an
almost merry Christmas After Henry. (pause) It's coming up to nine thirty.
(longer pause). In a few moments, after Big Ben, Her Majesty the Queen".
Followed by a short set of chimes and the Queen's speech to the Commonwealth.
(One is always tempted to say "And, cue Queen.")
This is exactly how that half hour was broadcast with the
complete edition of After Henry and
The Queen's Speech.
3 comments:
Even as a Republican I do think it's clever ;-)
Do I detect a Stanley Baxter reference Andy?
You certainly do Mark. Well spotted. The line actually spoken by Brian Capron if I recall.
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