From Roses to Poison
Après les Roses, le Poison
Napoleon in exile on Saint Helena – the Australian connection with the Balcombes and The Briars, Mt Martha
by Marijke Eysbertse-van Schaik
directed by Donald McManus
produced by Michael [Michel] Bula
Final version translated into French by Michelle BEUGNOT with the input of Professor Marc ORLANDO and the translation courses of MONASH UNIVERSITY
Updated and modified according to the author’s changes by Michel BULA
PROGRAMME
Listen to the SBS Francais Podcast interview
Semaine de la francophonie – le théâtre comme “mariage entre les cultures” 20 March 2025
The cast
Napoléon – Karim Lopez
William Balcombe – Richard Ryan
Mrs. Balcombe – Véronique Duché
Jane – Lucie Sors
Betsy – Lucie Poivaiki Regal
Lucy – Lucie Sors
Sir Hudson Lowe – Michel Bula
George Carstairs – Josh Hauville
Count de Montholon – Yves Boucaud
Albine de Montholon – Lucie Poivaiki Regal
Dr Antonmarchi – Arnaud Ramdoo
After his defeat at the battle of Waterloo in 1815, the French Emperor Napoleon I has been exiled to St Helena – an island in the South of the Atlantic Ocean. William Balcombe, Superintendent of the East India Company of the island, agrees to the Emperor’s request for a temporary stay at his home, The Briars. Elder daughter Jane soon starts giving Napoleon English lessons. After initial misgivings, her refreshingly uninhibited younger sister Betsy, falls for the charms of the suave imperial visitor and his French entourage. William’s wife Jane appears to be the only one who is worried about the effect of the family’s hospitality towards the man who is still regarded as Britain’s enemy, will have on the family’s future.
Everything takes a turn for the worse with the arrival on St Helena of Sir Hudson Lowe, the new Governor. The Emperor receives orders to depart immediately for Longwood, where he is to be guarded around the clock by 3,000 British soldiers. What happens at Longwood during the ensuing years – suspicious deaths, escape plans, dangerous liaisons – remains shrouded in mystery to this day.
Ma vie est comme une pièce de théâtre*
*My life is like a play. Napoleon Bonaparte.
From Nomad Players production May 2009
Photo Gallery
Testimonials
It was great to hear my text translated into French and see the actors bringing it to live with their wonderful way of telling us the story in French. It was a real joy to experience. Interesting is that my friends who saw the play on several days did not know much about the French connection with Australia. It was a big surprise.
Could you please say a big thank you again Michael, to Donald McManus and all the actors and the nice boy in the corner. I forgot his name. The actors were well chosen for their roles and very much engaged with the audience.
The wine and cheese made it into a real French experience.
Arnaud Ramdoo as Dr.Antonmarchi made everyone laugh. Lucie Sors as Lucy was also quite funny,
You all worked so hard to make this a success.
All best wishes
Dear Michel,
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed ‘From Roses to Poison’.
I thought it was very impressive for a moved reading. It was also great to see you in Actor mode! All the performances were great.
Thank you again.
Kind Regards,
Sara
What a touching presentation it was
I had no idea of all that history. Lowe got his just deserts!
I am incapacitated with vertigo so couldn’t stay to congratulate you and the others.
Thank you for giving us this unheard of insight.
Félicitations mon brave
Phillip
Bravo to Melbourne French Theatre Inc. & its founder Michel Bula, for its significant contribution to both and cultural life. Its 110th production about #Napoleon “Après les Roses, le Poison”, From Roses to Poison, was definitely a moving and beautiful performance.
Thank you to the cast, crew and the director Donald McManus
Why does Napoleon’s exile matter in an Australian context?
Because it reminds us of the global reach of French history, and the ways in which and are more connected than we often realise. As we reflect on Napoleon’s story, we are reminded of the power of theatre to help us understand history not just as events, but as lived experience. In that spirit, The MFT helps us to reflect on the shared paths of France and Australia, and to imagine the stories still to come.
French Theatre in #Melbourne helps build bridges and opens the door to language learning, cultural discovery, and mutual respect. It also greatly contributes to bringing our countries closer together, not just diplomatically, but humanely. The MFT is a privileged space where these connections are explored and made meaningful.
Thank you as well to the public for showing your appreciation and support for #FrenchTheatre. Your presence shows that French theatre is not just surviving in Melbourne, it is thriving.
