This is a glorious piece, part girl power, part restoration comedy and also an historic reminder of the battle for recognition and rights.
Anna Chancellor as Mrs Betterton and Zoe Brough as Nell Gwyn in Playhouse Creatures | Photo © Ellie Kurttz
Directed by Michael Oakley, this is a powerhouse production in terms of theme and performances.
The women come together to fight the patriarchal society of the 1660s. For the first time, women can perform, but each character tells their stories of betrayal, the need to be seen and to be treated fairly.
The stellar cast is led by the wonderful Anna Chancellor as Mrs Betterton; slowly being sidelined and maligned due to her age.
Her stage presence is captivating as she watches the equally excellent Zoe Brough as Nell Gwyn rise through the ranks. Brough is feisty, direct and powerful, totally engaging with an evidently kind heart.
Katherine Kingsley as Mrs. Marshall and Nicole Sawyerr as Mrs Farley have equally beautiful characterisations which reflect how quickly love turns sour and how brutal the world could be to “fallen women”.
The company is under the watchful gaze of Dona Croll as Doll. She is part therapist, part fixer and general Mother figure to them all.
Her dry acerbic wit is joyful whilst knowingly understanding the world that they are all navigating.
This is an excellent play with huge amounts of fun and darker emotions. A must see, an absolute gem.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
