Nell Gwynn

Jessica Swales play with music takes us through the rise of Nell Gwynn, an orange seller and most likely a prostitute, who catches the eye of actor Charles Hart who encourages her to become an actress and in the process, falls in love with her. Theatre is beginning to emerge after years of Cromwellian austerity and Charles II, a patron of the arts, wants new plays and what’s more he wants to see women on stage in London, as is apparently happening in Paris.  Playright John Dryden is writing as fast as he can and Nell is encouraged to learn her lines, which she does despite being illiterate. The King becomes almost mesmerised by Nell and takes her as his mistress.

This is a hilarious, bawdy romp taking us from the slums of Coal Yard Alley to the court of King Charles II.  Pamela Self-Pierson was superb as Nell Gwynn displaying all the characteristics of the coarse cockney as well as those of a woman with a much softer side to her character.

Doug Thomas was a convincing Charles Hart persuading Nell to join the theatre company and encouraging her all the way. A good casting of Paul Stephenson as John Dryden, always appearing rather flustered and not without good cause.  Together with Thomas Killigrew, well played by Simon Mawdsley, new plays are beginning to emerge.

A very good performance by Clive Weatherley as Charles II, perfectly displaying the King’s weakness of character. Paul Johnson showed excellent timing in his portrayal of Lord Arlington having been cast as the uncouth Bedlam at the beginning of the show.

The King seemed to have a genuine fondness for his mistresses. Helga Kilroy gave a good performance as Lady Castlemain while Wendy Eveson was suitably haughty as Louise de Keroualle, who made no attempt to hide her disapproval of Nell.  Queen Catherine may have only made a brief appearance but my goodness, it was certainly a memorable one.  Very well done to Vanessa Wood.  Incidentally I think it worthwhile saying that these three actors also played supporting roles, so very well done to them.

An excellent performance by Dan Ricketts who really made the most of his role as Edward Kynaston, celebrated for playing female roles. He was adamant that a woman could never play a female role and he did look a rather comedic character as he tried to stand his ground in falsies and rosy cheeks. I also enjoyed his demonstration of the language of the fan.

Melissa Richards was hilarious as Nancy, persuaded to go on stage against her will. This was a lovely piece of comic acting.  

Well done to Brett Stevens and the crew on the design and build of the set, complete with Royal Box, and to the ladies of the wardrobe on the excellent costume plot.

There was not a weak link in this production with the whole cast seemingly immersed in their role, not only acting but also singing and dancing to music of the period, composed by Paul Stephenson. This was a thoroughly enjoyable romp through a hedonistic period in our history.

Very well done to all concerned and thank you for inviting me.

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