Oak Bay bids hello to Victoria this Sunday.
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel and KCTS 9 (PBS) co-host the premier of the Masterpiece series Victoria.
The premiere will include a cocktail reception, passed hors d’oeuvres, door prizes (including a trip to Seattle) the two-hour pre-screening of the series premiere of Victoria in the David Foster Foundation Theatre.
Nicole Davison, British Consul General to Vancouver, will also attend.
“It’s a little more casual than what we’ve done in the past (with Downton Abbey),” says Kris Morash, director of marketing at the hotel, noting the name of the series itself made it an easy decision to renew the KCTS 9 partnership forged during Downton.
“There has been a lot of interest.”
The anticipated new drama series about the epic life of Queen Victoria airs on PBS in the Sunday night time slot which Downton Abbey occupied for six years.
Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who) stars as the young Victoria, a tiny, neglected teenager who overnight became queen and eventually the most powerful woman in the world.
“We’re really excited...The UK has seen the first season already and it’s been very popular over there,” Morash says.
The eight-part drama follows Victoria from her ascension to the throne in 1837 at age 18, through her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert.
Famous for her candor and spirit, she was the first woman who seemed to have it all: a passionate marriage, nine children, and the job of being queen of the world’s most important nation.
Victoria’s often tumultuous reign lasted for 63 years; she was England’s longest-serving monarch until she was overtaken by Elizabeth II in September, 2015.
Sunday’s event at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel opens with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. followed by the two-hour premiere at 7 p.m.
Guests will enjoy some small plates and a food station or two with creations from executive chef Kreg Graham, plus a host bar, Morash says.
The price for the evening is $79 plus tax and tickets are available online at oakbaybeachhotel.com, by phone at 250-598-4556 or at the hotel.
A portion of the proceeds from each ticket will support the David Foster Foundation and KCTS 9.