| The story of Horatio Nelson as
his scandalous love affair threatens to divert him from the defeat of Napoleon's fleet at
Trafalgar. The life of the men at sea is explored and provides much of the humour before the harsh reality of warfare brings the musical to a heart stopping finale.
|
 |
The Story
The musical opens with Nelson defeating the Danes at Copenhagen. It was
here he made his famous 'I see no ships' response to an order to disengage.
Back in England his love affair with Emma Hamilton and his appalling
treatment of his wife has made him the talk of the salons. It has also
angered his superiors at the Admiralty. These scene-setting passages include
rousing patriotic chorus numbers as well as moving solos from Frances Nelson.
As the Victory prepares to sail we meet up with some of the crew as they
search for available females in the rough pubs of Portsmouth, but their
quest is thwarted by the Press Gang who round up some unlikely 'volunteers'!
The predicament of the French Commander is explored as the combined fleets
almost mutiny at his indecision. Back on Victory Nelson outlines his
radical plan, which the English put into practice at Trafalgar. It costs
Nelson his life but he took four hours to die, which was good of him as it
makes for a fantastic build up of tension as he reviews his loves and fears!
©1999 Andrew Monk & Anthony Merryweather. All rights reserved. No use of the image, title, music, lyrics, photographs or any other intellectual property relating to the show without express permission in writing.
|
|
|
Back to Musicals Showcase |
Words to Music Homepage |
Want to know more? |
