About the play
Fine Time Theatre returned to Thetford's Great Festival in September 2015 with the World Premiere of a brand new two-woman play A Battle Won, following the previous year’s sell-out run of the The Capable Convict Henry Kable. We were inspired by the centenary of the Battle of Ypres and the bi-centenary of Waterloo.
The title of the play comes from a remark Wellington is said to have made shortly after the battle of Waterloo:
"Nothing except a battle lost can be half so melancholy as a battle won"
Set against the ongoing debate about women on the front line, A Battle Won takes inspiration from real stories to create a fascinating tale intertwining the lives of six women across three centuries - 1816, 1916, 2016.
When researching for the play with the help of the Ancient House Museum in Thetford, we were amazed to discover that the gunflints used to fire the British muskets at Waterloo were made just a few miles just down the road in Brandon! Thetford Forest was planted, partly, as a result of the decline of flint mining in the area.
The title of the play comes from a remark Wellington is said to have made shortly after the battle of Waterloo:
"Nothing except a battle lost can be half so melancholy as a battle won"
Set against the ongoing debate about women on the front line, A Battle Won takes inspiration from real stories to create a fascinating tale intertwining the lives of six women across three centuries - 1816, 1916, 2016.
When researching for the play with the help of the Ancient House Museum in Thetford, we were amazed to discover that the gunflints used to fire the British muskets at Waterloo were made just a few miles just down the road in Brandon! Thetford Forest was planted, partly, as a result of the decline of flint mining in the area.
Audience feedback
"We went to see A Battle Won last night and it was a fantastic play. The two young ladies were just outstanding. it was refreshing to go somewhere and actually leave wanting more! I did not want the play to end. All ages would understand it, you could empathise with the different characters two inspirational actresses well deserving of an award played different characters the changeovers were seamless which is a great feat in itself. The acoustics were superb. I had never been inside St. Peter's Church but would certainly visit any event being held there. I cannot praise the professionalism of the two young ladies enough. I cannot wait for next year. Thank you for a great evening. Thanks to all the staff who did front of house and served drinks plus delicious cake! A big thumbs up from me and my husband The Thetford Town Crier!" Audience member
“I saw your play 'A Battle Won' on Tuesday in Thetford and absolutely loved it. So much so, I wanted to go tonight (Wednesday) again! Sadly I couldn't.
I loved the setting, that I could hear every word and I thought the acoustics were wonderful for your music. I wanted to listen all over again to what you had to say and I could have listened to your singing all night.
I am also thrilled that you came to Thetford with your play.... Thank you for a superb evening!” Audience member
“I saw your play 'A Battle Won' on Tuesday in Thetford and absolutely loved it. So much so, I wanted to go tonight (Wednesday) again! Sadly I couldn't.
I loved the setting, that I could hear every word and I thought the acoustics were wonderful for your music. I wanted to listen all over again to what you had to say and I could have listened to your singing all night.
I am also thrilled that you came to Thetford with your play.... Thank you for a superb evening!” Audience member
Images from A Battle Won with Kiara Hawker and Lucy Monaghan. Photographs by Maria Cooke