Nell Gwynn is like many women of influence in history, whose name may be known but whose story is, writes Karen Morley-Chesworth. With memories of Barbara Winsor as the orange fruit seller in a Carry On film, I knew very little about the woman. However, Theatre by the Lake bring to life King Charles II’s mistress with a lively, bawdy romp – and tells her story.
A collaboration between Theatre by the Lake, Shakespeare North Playhouse and Storyhouse Theatre, this production is as lively and entertaining as anything that may have been performed in the original Globe Theatre.
Music, dance and bold, playful banter make this production a joy. The opening scene did have me worried as Burhan Kathawala, began a performance which was so wooden, then the lights lifted, the stage opened up to reveal a play within a play. Kathawala had given a masterclass in how to play the poor performer, and in his character of Ned Spagget, a member of the theatre company Nell Gwynn was soon to join, showed his expertise in his craft.
Rose Shallo as Nell is a powerful force that commands the stage, and the men around her (including the King of England). One of the first women to take to the all-male-dominated stages of London, the play captures the changing spirit of the day.
From prostitute to fruit seller, to actor and then influential mistress of the King, Shallo does not create the caricature image of the big-bosomed street seller with a tray of oranges around her neck. She is a fully rounded character who tries to balance her past, present and secure her future.
Guy Woolf as King Charles II, the head of state with no head for stately matters, has great chemistry with Shalloo as Nell.
This is a talented group of actors and musicians who tell a tale in a fresh, modern style yet within the spirit of the 17th-century stage. Jamie Ross at Music Captain, as well as John Dryden, keep the music tight as the actors play their instruments around the stage.
This play by Jessica Swale does not disappoint in providing laughter and pathos, joy and heartbreak. The script has some beautiful, witty and punchy lines that are delivered to perfection by this cast. Special mention for Adam Clifford, who plays Lord Arlington and Thomas Killgrew. In the latter role, as the actor who has played the female roles in all the plays before Nell arrives, he is hilarious.
The lighting and set design also deserve a mention, as they create the intimate atmosphere of a 1600s stage. And Theatre by the Lake, when set in the round, is a perfect modern setting for this production.
The direction by Bryony Shanahan provides a pace that keeps even the modern-day audience completely engaged.
For a good night out at the theatre, with music, dance and a little of England’s history thrown in, you could find a better play to see this summer.
- Nell Gwynn runs until Saturday 1 August at Theatre by the Lake.
- For more information and to book tickets visit theatrebythelake.com
