A soldier's tale (From Stroud News and Journal)

A soldier's tale

AS PART of the acclaimed Wrapping The Globe exhibition at Stroud's Museum in the Park, Spaniel In The Works Theatre Company are to present A Near Run Thing, a dramatic two-man retelling of the events at the Battle of Waterloo this week.

First performed at Apsley House, the Duke of Wellington's London home, the 40 minute performance tells the events of June 18, 1815 when the forces of the Duke of Wellington defeated the French army under Napoleon's command.

Diary entries and letters home, from the soldiers, some of whom wore uniforms made from Stroud scarlet cloth, are woven together to reveal the personal stories of the hardships, fears, sadness and excitement of the battle.

These stories range from the ordinary foot soldier to officers and the great commanders the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon.

A Near Run Thing is suitable for museum visitors aged eight and above and is presented with kind thanks to the Victoria and Albert Museum who first commissioned the work.

A Near Run Thing runs at Stroud's Museum in the Park on April 12 at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £2 for adults or £1.50 children and can be purchased at the Museum reception.

Writer, director and actor John Bassett said: "A Near Run Thing seems an appropriate performance for the exhibition. Nearly 200,000 men fought in the battle and the British army were wearing Stroud cloth. The Duke of Wellington said that 'everyone has his own personal story of Waterloo.'"

* The Wrapping the Globe exhibition was due to finish on Sunday, April 16 but the Museum will now extend the last day to Bank Holiday Monday, April 17.