A wonderful celebration of theatre and of women: Nell Gwynn

The theatre is decked with swags of greenery around the circle and boxes for this in-the-round production of Nell Gwynn, with floor painting of a golden sun and stars sitting centre stage. The set design is by Jess Curtis, who also designed the glorious costumes.

The company of actors enter, playing lively music and draw us in to the glory and spectacle that is Restoration theatre.

The engaging, witty orange seller and ex-prostitute Nell Gwynn soon attracts the attention of actor Charles Hart (Elliot Harper) and under his instruction she blossoms on the stage and is adored by audiences. Rose Shalloo, who plays Nell, is just as talented, quite mesmerising and a brilliant singer. As Drury Lane manager Thomas Killigrew (Adam Clifford) remarks, in wonder: ‘I don’t think we’ll ever go back”.

Magically, we become part of the Drury Lane audience ourselves, especially when the spotlight shines on one of our theatre’s boxes, which has suddenly become a Royal Box, from which Charles II first spies Nell Gwynn on stage. Nell is cheeky, curious, and forward: ‘Do you like being King?’ she asks him. He is flummoxed, intrigued at this coquettish, witty woman who seems to have an answer for everything.

Jessica Swales’ Olivier Award-winning play does not disappoint, bringing alive the Restoration stage and its bawdy humour. The second act sees both national and family politics come into play, so is less of a jolly gambol, but by now we are totally invested in the characters, laughing and crying with them.

This extravagant and bawdy musical romp through Restoration London, with a hugely talented cast of actor musicians is funny, moving.

At its heart Nell Gwynn is a wonderful celebration of theatre itself… and of women who speak their mind!

Nell Gwynn is at Theatre by the Lake until Saturday 1 August. https://www.theatrebythelake.com/