Details

Written in 1914 and unseen in London for more than 50 years, The Boatswain's Mate is Smyth's fourth and most obviously feminist opera. A witty and inventive battle of the sexes, it features a feisty heroine - supposedly based on Emmeline Pankhurst - who outwits her suitors in a series of entertaining and resourceful deceptions. Mrs Waters is a wealthy widow whose first husband has left her with a country pub and a determination never to remarry. When the retired boatswain George Benn devises a scheme to win her hand by 'saving' her from a burglar whom he has in fact paid to break in, he reckons without her bravery and quick-wittedness.

Creatives/Company

Book by: W.W. Jacobs
Music: Ethel Smyth
Lyrics: Ethel Smyth
Producer: Primavera Productions (in association with Neil McPherson for the Finborough Theatre)
Director: Tom Littler
Conductor: Timothy Carey