Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Waterloo: The Ball at Brussels

By Mike Walker. Brussels, June 1815, and the Duchess of Richmond wants to host a ball. Confident that time is on their side, Wellington concurs. He is wrong.

by Mike Walker

With Napoleon escaped from Elba, the Duke of Wellington quickly heads for Brussels. There, Charlotte, Duchess of Richmond, is keen to give a ball. Wellington thinks this will be excellent for morale. No-one has any idea just how soon the fighting will begin..........

Produced and directed by Marion Nancarrow

Two days before the Battle of Waterloo, the Duchess of Richmond decides to give a grand ball. Against all seeming common sense, the Duke of Wellington agrees. Mike Walker's new play, based on historical fact, delves into the hearts and minds of the Ball's participants to give a vivid portrait of those about to embark on one of the most famous battles in history.

Amongst the music, the food and the dancing, laughter and quarrels, the ball's participants speculate on what may happen. As news comes of Napoleon's advance, the attendees debate the consequences - which of course, they cannot know. What seems increasingly likely, since the allied armies are in a very bad tactical position, is that tomorrow evening the ball will be given by Napoleon Bonaparte. It is clear that the future of Europe is going to be decided TOMORROW! Carriages are called, soldiers pore over maps; diplomats and spies mutter in corners; wives and husbands share what might be last moments. As the guests depart the weather turns to rain, the clock strikes and the day of decision is here.....

45 minutes

Last on

Wed 17 Jun 2015 14:15

What happened to the people at the Ball?

What happened to the people at the Ball?

The cast recreate the painting 'Intelligence of the Battle of Ligny' (1818) by William Heath

The cast recreate the painting 'Intelligence of the Battle of Ligny' (1818) by William Heath

Credits

Role Contributor
Duke of Wellington Simon Paisley Day
Prince Tallyrand Stephen Greif
Charlotte, Duchess of Richmond Jane Slavin
Eddie Neet Mohan
Randolph Mark Edel-Hunt
Georgiana Alex Tregear
Emma Rhiannon Neads
Duke of Uxbridge Sam Dale
Duke of Richmond David Hounslow
Equerry David Acton
Prince of Orange Stephen Critchlow
Writer Mike Walker
Director Marion Nancarrow
Producer Marion Nancarrow

Broadcast

  • Wed 17 Jun 2015 14:15

Opening Lines

Opening Lines

John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.

The Shakespeare Sessions

The Shakespeare Sessions

Immerse yourself in Shakespeare鈥檚 world