I’m an actress. They’ve never had one of those before. I’m a novelty.
It’s the swinging (16)60s, and ‘the merry monarch’ Charles II is on the throne. After violent civil war, England’s theatres have finally reopened and, for the first time, women are allowed to perform in public.
In the West End, grande dame Mrs Betterton (Chancellor) rules the roost. But there’s a new face in town: an orange-seller with dreams of stardom.
From dressing-room camaraderie to bitter rivalry, April De Angelis’ gloriously exuberant, bawdily funny and deeply poignant play celebrates five women grabbing this newfound freedom and making their way in an unfamiliar world. But at what price?
Zoe Brough plays Nell Gwyn, Anna Chancellor plays Mrs Betterton, Doña Croll plays Doll Common, Katherine Kingsley plays Mrs Marshall, Nicole Sawyerr playing Mrs Farley, and Michael Oakley directs.
Orange Tree Theatre, 1 Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9 2SA from 15 March – 12 April 2025. Box Office: 020 8940 3633 (Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm)
