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Drama on 4: Waterloo: The Ball at Brussels

Waterloo: The Ball at Brussels

17/06/2015

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Waterloo: The Ball at Brussels

Mike Walker's play recreates the ball given two nights before the Battle of Waterloo.

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.....

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