1878: The war that never was

A live-action promenade performance that takes you on a time-travelling journey back to the Victorian era, to experience life under siege as the garrison struggles to repel the dreaded French invasion.

Fort Nelson was built during the Victorian era as part of a ring of defences around the Royal Naval Dockyard in Portsmouth.

Step back in time and find out if the Fort was up to the task in a war that never happened.

The story so far…
Buoyed by its victory against Prussia in 1871, the French superpower is set on adding Great Britain to its empire. French troops have landed and are marching on Portsmouth. The home of the British navy must be defended at all costs.

Fort Nelson’s underground garrison is waiting nervously for news of the French invasion; fending off the first exploratory attacks, and discovering that not everyone within the walls of the Victorian fort are as trustworthy as they seem…

Adventurers are advised that this is a guided promenade performance through the underground tunnels and chambers of the Fort. The ground is often uneven and it gets cold down there, so please wear suitable footwear and clothing. There will be live gun-firings during the performance; ear-protectors will be available.