Terence Rattigan:
A Bequest to the Nation
Terence Rattigan - A Bequest to the Nation
BBC Radio 3: Drama on 3
Broadcast: Sunday 16th October 2005 @ 7:25 p.m.
Set in Bath and London, Autumn 1805. The passionate relationship between Lord Nelson and Emma Hamilton causes tensions and
friction amongst Nelson's family and colleagues. What does the greatest naval hero of the day see in this drunken, vulgar and blowsy
woman? Rattigan's play sets out to explain this enigma.
Dramatised by David Timson fromTerence Rattigan's 1970 play, "A Bequest to the Nation", first performed at the Haymarket, London.
With Kenneth Branagh [Lord Nelson], Janet McTeer [Emma Hamilton], Amanda Root [Frances, Lady Nelson], Steven France [George
Matcham, Junior], John Shrapnel [Lord Minto], Stephen Thorne [Lord Barham], Gerard Horan [Captain Hardy], Roger May [Captain
Blackwood], Roy Spencer [The Reverend William Nelson], Anthony Jackson [George Matcham, Senior], Patience Tomlinson
[Katherine Matcham], Alison Pettitt [Betsy the Maid / Francesca], and Tilly Gaunt [Emily].
Directed by David Timson.
Produced by Nicolas Soames.
Re-broadcast on Sunday 24th September 2006 @ 7:25 p.m. on BBC Radio 3: Drama on 3
125 min.
Jim.
