Queen Anne Shows Abigail Her Seventeen Rabbits

Written by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara for the film The Favourite, this dramatic duologue captures an intimate exchange between Queen Anne and Abigail. Abigail arrives to play cards in place of Lady Marlborough, initially facing the monarch's irritation, physical pain, and territorial pride. The dynamic shifts quickly into tender vulnerability when Abigail notices the rabbits, prompting Anne to reveal the devastating loss of her seventeen children.

Anne is physically ailing, temperamental, and acutely aware of her royal standing, yet she carries an immense grief that surfaces when she feels genuinely seen. She transitions rapidly from caustic frustration to profound melancholy, seeking comfort in an environment dominated by political demands. Abigail presents herself with composure, intellect, and acute social survival skills, carefully navigating the monarch's volatility. Her outward empathy creates an immediate bond, blending genuine emotional resonance with strategic awareness.

This piece provides two compelling roles that explore sharp status dynamics alongside deep, understated grief in under two minutes. Performers must navigate a precise emotional pivot, moving from tense royal protocol to fragile connection without losing realism. Because the dramatic turn relies heavily on active listening and nonverbal reactions, it allows casting directors to evaluate an actor's emotional range, timing, and vulnerability. The material is equally effective for on-camera self-tapes and live performance due to its concentrated physical focus.

This script is ideal for drama school auditions, self-tapes, agent showcases, and general scene study practice. It offers rich material for performers playing ages 35 to 45, especially those aligning with Leading Lady, Ingenue, Character Actor, Vulnerable, or Sophisticated casting types. Both characters provide distinct, layered challenges that highlight command of language, presence, and emotional depth.

Ground Anne's opening frustration in tangible physical discomfort and wounded authority rather than generic hostility. For Abigail, keep your delivery articulate and quietly confident, avoiding excessive deference so the status negotiation remains alive. When the dialogue shifts toward the rabbits and the lost children, let the pacing breathe so the confession carries genuine weight. Pay close attention to subtle physical reactions and silent listening, ensuring the sudden burst of shared emotion feels fully earned.