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Theatre Review: Nelson: The Sailor’s Story

UK actor Nicholas Collett brings his years of stage experience to regale us with a fascinating tale about the famous ol’ salt Lord Horatio Nelson, some of the people in his life, and those affected by his considerable achievements.


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Presented by GMT Productions International
Reviewed 8 October 2013

The problem with getting to know famous historical figures, national heroes, inspiring leaders,and strategic geniuses is their fame and/or death tends to put them somewhat out of reach. Lord Horatio Nelson, being all of these, sits atop a pedestal, both literally and figuratively, and without retrospective, is somewhat out of modern reach. Until now.

It’s always nice to be first, and on Tuesday night I spent an evening with Nelson (and others) at the world premiere of Nelson: The Sailor’s Story.

Nicholas Collett brings his years of stage experience to regale us with a fascinating tale about the famous ol’ salt Nelson, some of the people in his life, and those affected by his considerable achievements.

Written by Collett, the script is tight and amusing and his well developed, engaging and believable characters deliver just the right amount of pathos.

Gavin Robertson directs the piece utilising a minimalist set with creative suitcase properties, complemented by effective lighting and dramatic sound effects.

Through his men, we get to know Nelson the leader and, conversely, we get to know the men through the commands and actions of Nelson. He is revealed to be every bit as brave and inspirational as the history books would have us believe but we also glimpse the man through his personal life and controversial love, and this insight is a clever ploy to connect the audience with an otherwise lofty and out of reach figure.

Warning: do your best to hold on to your cookies for the graphic scene with the ship’s surgeon, which depicts a harshly realistic account of life on board one of the ships commanded by Nelson.

Set both two hundred years ago and in modern-day, central London will never seem the same again.

Nelson: The Sailor’s Story is a well researched, cleverly woven tale told by diverse and convincing characters, all ingeniously played by Collett who delivers an energetic and compelling performance.

The spectrum of emotions I felt for Collett’s characters, who deliver some poignant messages revealing some modern truisms, are testament to his considerable writing and acting talents.

Skip the bottle of rum, and get your yo-ho-ho along to this highly recommended show; and not just to answer the age-old question: What is the plural of the word “walrus”?

Reviewed by Gordon Forester

Venue: The Forge, Marryatville High School, Kensington Road (off-street parking available via The Crescent)
Season: 8 – 18 October 2013
Duration: 75 minutes
Tickets: $15 – $25
Bookings: Online through DramaTix or BASS, or at the door.

Photo Credit: GMT Productions International

 

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