Spectra Ensemble presents

The Boatswain’s Mate

Music and libretto by Ethel Smyth

Direction by Cecilia Stinton

“Fix a date for Dreamland Margate…”

June 1953: peace reigns in Europe, and the waters of the English Channel are troubled only by holidaymakers, as Britain celebrates the coronation of its new Queen. Young and old alike have flocked to Margate for summer loving and strolls on the promenade.

But at a quiet pub set back from the seafront, the landlady has a nuisance on her hands. She’s confronted with a suitor who simply won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. And, when he comes up with a last-ditch plan to win her heart, our formidable heroine gives him more than he’d bargained for…

Spectra Ensemble returns to Grimeborn with its acclaimed revival of this 1914 opera by Suffragette composer Ethel Smyth, complete with all the quintessential sounds and sights of British summertime.


The Boatswain’s Mate is part of Grimeborn Opera Festival 2022. Explore the full programme →

The health and wellbeing of our audiences is an absolute priority for us. Please have a read of the measures we’ve put in place to keep you safe.

  • Running time: 80 minutes (no interval)
  • Accompanied by piano trio
  • Sung in English