Playhouse Creatures 2025 Directed by Michael Oakley
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 (Anna 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?
Cast
Zoe Brough
Nell Gwyn
Anna Chancellor
Mrs Betterton
Doña Croll
Doll Common
Katherine Kingsley
Mrs Marshall
Nicole Sawyerr
Mrs Farley