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.....
Last on
Great Lives: Duke of Wellington
Francine Stock presents a discussion about the first Duke of Wellington.
Napoleon: The Man and the Myths
Was Napoleon really the short, uncouth, Corsican upstart portrayed by caricaturists?
The day that decided Europe's fate.
In Our Time: Napoleon and Wellington
The comparative histories of two titans of 19th century history.
Clips
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'Everybody fears that man Bonaparte'
Duration: 00:49
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Wellington Quotes: 'I should have given more praise'
Duration: 00:02
What happened to the people at the Ball?
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成人快手 Radio 4 FM