GREENWICH.- On 12 April 2019, The Queen’s House, Greenwich presents Elizabeth I: Construction of an Icon, a performance procession, starting at the Queen’s House and ending at the National Portrait Gallery, inspired by the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I.

Following in the footsteps of 16th century public entertainments, which allowed Elizabeth I to see and be seen, multi-award winning performer and writer, Christopher Green, will embody the Queen presenting his unique interpretation of one of the most iconic and recognisable historical figures and influencers in history.

Visitors are invited to give the ‘Queen’ a royal send off, where Green, as Elizabeth I, will lead a procession starting from the Queen’s House at Royal Museums Greenwich, up the river to Westminster and on to the National Portrait Gallery.

During the procession Green will be wearing a replica of the remarkable and intricate garment as depicted in the Armada Portrait - on permanent display in the Queen’s House, Greenwich. The Armada Portrait commemorates the most famous conflict of Elizabeth’s reign (1558–1603), the Spanish Armada’s failed attempt to invade England in August 1588. The portrait has been the inspiration for countless portrayals of Elizabeth I on stage, in film and television.

After meticulous research, designers Bronya Arciszewska and Oliver Cronk, in collaboration with students from the London College of Fashion, The Courtauld Institute, and a wide range of designers and makers created, layer by layer, a 21st century costume.

The ‘Queen’ will also be joined and accompanied by the ‘ladies of the bedchamber’, all members of the Amies Freedom Choir, who will sing together and create a soulful 21st century masque. The choir is comprised of female survivors of human trafficking and aims to develop the musical and cultural awareness of young women from different ethnic backgrounds by exploring songs and multicultural musical styles.

Christopher Green is a multi-award winning performer and writer who has worked for the biggest cultural institutions in the UK. Green’s Elizabeth I: Construction of an Icon has been commissioned by the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Armada Portrait Project.