Mark Knightley is the writer of 1797: The Mariner’s Revenge, a haunting theatrical tale set in the never-before-seen attics of the historic Admiral’s House, directed by Briony O’Callaghan.
A thrilling evening of dark comedy and suspense awaits audiences at the Old Royal Naval College this autumn. The five week run also offers a chilling treat over the Halloween weekend, with an extra-special spooky tour.
1797: The Mariner’s Revenge, written by Mark Knightley, runs Thursday 13th October – Saturday 12th November 2022. The Old Royal Naval College are collaborating with HistoryRiot and Tramshed on this site-specific show, which will include two relaxed performances with BSL interpretation. Listings and ticket information can be found here.
1797: The Mariner’s Revenge is playing at Old Royal Naval College, what can you tell us about the show?
The story follows an injured mariner and a recalcitrant albatross as they plot revenge against a naval Captain who cast the mariner away whilst at sea. It’s a very physical show, there’s sea shanties, there are mating dances, there’s puppetry.
What inspired you to write it?
The inspiration came from the venue. The Old Royal Naval College used to be called the Royal Hospital for Seamen at Greenwich. It was built by King William and Queen Mary to house sailors who had been injured in service.
In the 18th century Greenwich was outside London, cut off except for the river. I imagined the mists rolling in off the Thames, the little town surrounded by fields and bogs and this imposing hospital, full of men from all walks of life, most of whom have lived through trauma, with problems with alcohol, and now they’re all stuck together, comfortable but isolated and forced to rub up alongside each other.
I was interested by the tensions that might exist in this community and the juxtaposition between working class sailors and the palace that housed them.
Why is this venue the perfect location for the show?
The show takes place through three attic rooms in the Lord Admiral’s House which is right on the banks of the Thames. The show is set in 1797 when Nelson dined at the house after losing his arm at the Battle of Tenerife. Audiences will get to see the rooms below before going up to where the real action happens on the floors above. The show has been written specifically for this venue – it couldn’t be performed anywhere else – and hopefully audiences will feel the connection with the site.
It’s also a spectacular venue. Especially at night when it’s quiet, you step outside, look up at the gleaming domes, and imagine that you’re in the 18th century.
It’ll be playing over Halloween, what can audiences expect that night?
The show is pretty spooky. It delves deeply into the supernatural; souls are conjured up, limbs are hacked off, inanimate objects come to life
The College are also putting on a Gory Stories tour of the site before the show, which visits locations off the public trail and tells stories of the deaths, rather than the lives, of (in)famous people associated with the site.
What have you enjoyed most about working with director, Briony O’Callaghan?
It’s very hard to pick one thing… Briony is a hugely talented director who approaches her work with imagination, wit, playfulness and care. She trained at Jacques Lecoq (a physical theatre school in Paris) so she has brought a whole physical language to the show that has complemented and heightened the script.
I didn’t know Briony before working with her. I wanted to work with someone who would put their own style on my script not just interpret my words, so I interviewed a lot of directors. Briony came with a wealth of ideas. She was funny, imaginative and experienced. Out of all the creative choices I’ve made along this journey, choosing to work with her was probably the best one.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see 1797: The Mariner’s Revenge?
The show is pretty unique. It’s unusual. It’s packed full of ideas. It’s fun and intense. It’s in a world heritage site. You will not be bored.
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