Nell Gwynn by Jessica Swale
3 to 11 December 2021
They’ve disgraced our trade. Ruined our art. They’ve put a woman on the stage.
It is 1660. The Puritans have run away with their drab grey tails between their legs. Charles II has exploded on to the scene with a love of all things loud, French and sexy. And at Drury Lane, a young Nell Gwynn is selling oranges for sixpence. Little does she know who’s watching.
Nell Gwynn charts the rise of an unlikely heroine, from her roots in Coal Yard Alley to her success as Britain’s most celebrated actress, and her hard-won place in the heart of the king. But at a time when women are second-class citizens, can her charm and spirit protect her from the dangers of the court? And at what cost?
Cast
| Nell Gwynn | Lorna Kong |
| Thomas Killigrew | Simon Caporn |
| Lord Arlington | David Reynolds |
| Nancy | Belinda Coghlan |
| John Dryden | Al Fowkes |
| Lady Castlemaine | Gemma Duncan |
| Louise de Kerouaille | Jessica Trimble |
| Rose Gwynn | Mel Beswick |
| Ned Spiggett | Harris Lerner |
| Edward Kynaston | Graham Simmonds |
| Queen Catherine | Victoria Johnson |
| Old Ma Gwynn | Sonia Dykstra |
| Charles Hart | Ted Walker |
| King Charles II | Steve Berrington |
| Court attendants | Gemma Duncan, Alan James, Jessica Trimble, Steve Williamson |
Sponsors
| This play is sponsored by: Motrax Motor Accessories (88 Chapel Lane) | Superior products at surprisingly low prices. |
| The 2021-22 season is sponsored by: SC & P Jones (91 Chapel Lane) | Builders & Plumbers merchant and bathroom specialists |
Backstage
| Directors | Celia Bonner, Mike Rogerson |
| Musical Directors | Chris McClory, Pete Grimshaw |
| Stage Manager | Steve Williamson |
| Prompt | Diana Boswell |
| Set design | Juliet Jones |
| Props | Fenella Fowkes |
| ASM | Alan James, Donna Johnstone |
| Lighting | Bruce Williams |
| Sound | Mark Seyler |
| Wardrobe | Linda Batson, Di James |
| Rehearsal photographs | Chris Hills |
| Ticket secretary | Jane Anderson, Denise Soussi |
| House Manager | Ann Cichocki, Fred Donnan, Ronnie Dykstra, Donna Johnstone |
| PSCC Liaison |
