Nell Gwynn
- Richard Evans
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Jessica Swale
Chester Storyhouse, Shakespeare North Playhouse and Theatre by the Lake production
Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, Chester
August 21-September 6, 2026; 2hrs 40 mins
‘Pretty, witty Nell’ (to quote Samuel Pepys) had plenty of drama on and off the stage, which provides an abundant source of material for a modern stage play. Written by Jessica Swale, the play Nell Gwynn was first produced at London's Globe in 2013.
The play follows the historical narrative fairly closely, not an easy feat given that Nell’s origin is quite obscure. There are two - disputed - dates for her birth, for example, 1642 and 1650. A very long labour, perhaps?
Nell came from Cheapside, and grew up in a bawdy house before she was employed selling oranges, especially to theatregoers attending the newly-reopened playhouse on the site of Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. After bantering with a heckler, she is spotted by an actor, Charles Hart (Elliott Harper), who teaches her stagecraft, and despite her initial nerves becomes a roaring success. When Charles II saw her on stage, there was a mutual and deep attraction that lasted many years - despite the presence of Charles’s other mistresses and the political intrigues of the day.
Rose Shalloo as Nell commands the stage and silkily deflates the ego of the king (Guy Woolf). The company members interact strongly, portraying the desperate efforts to put on a huge number of plays in a short season, mostly flying by the seat of their pants. Stanton Wright as Edward Kynaston (whose female roles were usurped by Nell) is entertainingly prima donnish, while Adam Clifford, as theatre impresario Thomas Killigrew, is suitably harassed. These and similarly well-drawn characters offer an absorbing story that holds the attention throughout.
There is more to this play than just an unlikely love story. Its primary purpose is to portray the rags-to-riches transformation of Nell, made possible with the help of outspokenness and quick wit. It also illustrates the vulnerability of women who didn't have the protection of a husband or father, and doesn't look down on those women forced to use their body to guarantee an income. The play makes reference to the political scheming of the day, including the divide between Catholic and Protestant. Britain was still recovering from the Civil War, following which Charles's father became the first monarch to be executed for treason. The country was vulnerable to attack and had to foster good relations with France and Spain, so there was pressure on Charles to act diplomatically, with a judicious marriage and strategic affairs. All more interesting facts for the play to examine...
This is certainly a departure from the usual fare seen at Grosvenor Open Air Theatre. There's no audience interaction, for instance and while there are many genuinely funny moments, this remains a relatively serious play, with an ending laced with pathos.
The production was greeted warmly by an appreciative audience and made for a thoroughly enjoyable summer night's entertainment.
More info and tickets here
Guy Woolf as King Charles II Singing up a Restoration storm in Nell Gwynn Rose Shalloo in nifty dance moves as Nell Gwynn
