The Playground Theatre is set to present Swing! Swing! Admiral Byng!, a gripping new play that re-imagines the final days of Admiral John Byng, the only Royal Navy Admiral to be executed by firing squad. Written and directed by Christopher Swann, the production will run from 30 April to 17 May, with a press night on Thursday, 1 May at 7.30pm.
Swing! Swing! Admiral Byng! delves into the Admiral’s last two days as he comes to terms with his impending death. Convicted of “failing to do his utmost” to defend Port Mahon from the French, Byng was made a scapegoat by those in power. The play explores his feelings of betrayal, his cherished friendships, and his reflections on his legacy.
Admiral John Byng joined the navy at thirteen, following in his father’s footsteps. He built a reputation as a naval officer, becoming a vice admiral in 1747 and later a member of Parliament. Despite his efforts, he was executed for losing the Battle of Minorca, a battle arguably lost before his arrival. The public scapegoated him through songs, effigies, and ridicule, akin to today’s social media.
This production is the third instalment in Christopher Swann’s “Forgotten Trilogy,” following One Night and Up In The Blue. Swann, a BAFTA, EMMY, and Gramophone award-winning director and writer, has worked across radio, TV, film, and theatre. Peter Tate, Playground’s Founder and Artistic Director, will play Admiral Byng.
Christopher Swann commented, “Byng was ghosted and cancelled by both society and the public much like today’s social media witch hunts. The need for a scapegoat to mask parliament and navy mistakes, compounded by rigid bureaucracy, also echoes our contemporary world reflecting some of today’s scandals and catastrophes. Though not the best or worst commander, he followed orders and was eventually executed for it. I wrote the play to complete my trilogy with a story centred on a man who knows his exact moment of death, exploring his isolation and state of mind. The play was my way to give him closure through finding friendship, understanding love, and offering him a very special dream on his last night.”
The production features a talented creative team, including set designer Peter Bingemann, lighting designer Petr Vocka, sound designer May Buciliatt, and video mapping by Helena Hipolito.
The cast includes:
- Admiral Byng: Peter Tate
- Sailor: Randy Smartnick
- Sailor/Nicholas: James Shenoi
- Hutchens: Chris Barritt
- Sarah: Corrina McDermott
- Hervey/Voltaire: Merric Boyd
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
