Corunna!

Synopsis

The rugged landscapes of Spain, 1808-09. As Napoleon’s forces advance, the British army faces a harrowing retreat that will test the limits of human endurance and military leadership.

Keith Dewhurst’s Corunna! plunges audiences into the heart of the Peninsular War, chronicling the British army’s desperate retreat to the port of Corunna under the command of Sir John Moore. Through a series of vivid vignettes, Dewhurst captures the grim realities of 19th-century warfare and the indomitable spirit of soldiers facing overwhelming odds.

The play’s innovative T-shaped stage design draws viewers into the mud and blood of the battlefield, as a diverse cast of characters—from grizzled veterans to raw recruits, from commanding officers to camp followers—struggle to survive. Dewhurst’s unflinching dialogue crackles with gallows humour and raw emotion, revealing the complex bonds forged in the crucible of combat.

As Moore grapples with impossible decisions and dwindling resources, Corunna! explores themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the futility of war. Through its visceral portrayal of historical events, the play asks: What is the true cost of military glory? And in the face of certain defeat, how do individuals find meaning and maintain their humanity?