‘Nell Gwynn’ at Theatre by the Lake

What a remarkable woman Nell Gwynn was! Born in 1650 in the brothel where her alcoholic mother was the madam, Nell had a meteoric rise from a market trader selling oranges to a renowned actress and courtesan to Charles II.

This new production about her life is funny, fast-moving and joyful.

There is singing, dancing and more than a touch of pathos regarding Nell’s life. Much of the play is a ‘play within a play’ where Nell is honing her craft or performing. We see her transform from a naive girl into a confident woman with a mind of her own.

This production is written by award-winning Jessica Swale, directed by Bryony Shanahan and music by Candida Caldicot with set and costumes by Jess Curtis. It is a collaborative production between Theatre by the Lake, Shakespeare North Playhouse and Storyhouse Theatre.

At the start, Nell, played with fabulous versatility by Rose Shalloo, is ‘discovered’ by Charles Hart, brilliantly played by Elliot Harper. He is an actor who takes her under his wing and teaches her the ‘attitudes’ used in acting. She turns out to be a natural (despite being illiterate), so along with Thomas Killigrew, another actor and teacher played by Adam Clifford, they decide she should go on the stage. This was revolutionary; in the 1660’s, women were considered unable to act and not seen on the stage.

There ensues an extremely funny scene where all the male actors argue against women being on stage.

This is led by Edward Kynaston, played by Stanton Wright, with superb comic timing – ‘Never underestimate the power of a good back story’! Rehearsals are tricky with Nell and Killigrew is endlessly, but hilariously, exasperated with her. However, Nell sets the stage on fire, and the audience loves her! Her fame is sealed! She even gets a mention in Pepys’ diary!!

Nell soon catches the eye of the feckless King Charles II, who takes her as his lover, where, with her intelligence, quick wit and nous, she becomes financially secure and even manages to influence the King in his decisions!

Sadly, Nell’s life was short, but her mischievous honesty and raucous behaviour are brought to life in this wonderful play about the woman who changed British theatre forever!

Nell Gwynn is playing at ‘Theatre by the Lake’ until Saturday, 1st August.