Nell Gwynn by Jessica Swale
Friday 5 to Saturday 13 June 2020
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?
Booking opens: Members – 4 May; Non-members – 11 May.
Saturday Box Office (11am to 12 noon): 16, 23, 30 May; 6 June.
Cast
| Nell Gwynn | Lorna Kong |
| Thomas Killigrew | |
| Lord Arlington | David Reynolds |
| Nancy | Belinda Coghlan |
| John Dryden | Mark Jephcott |
| Lady Castlemaine | Alison Fleming |
| Louise de Keroualle | Eilidh Pollard |
| Rose Gwynn | Abby Cross |
| Ned Sprigget | |
| Edward Kynaston | |
| Queen Katherine | Victoria Johnson |
| Old Ma Gwynn | Sonia Dykstra |
| Charles Hart | |
| Charles II | Steve Berrington |
Sponsors
| This play is sponsored by: | |
| The 2019-20 season is sponsored by: SC & P Jones (91 Chapel Lane) | Builders & Plumbers merchant and bathroom specialists |
Backstage
| Directors | Celia Bonner and Mike Rogerson |
| Musical Director | Chris McClory |
| Stage Manager | |
| Prompt | Diana Boswell |
| Props | |
| ASM | |
| Lighting | |
| Sound | |
| Wardrobe | Linda Batson |
| Rehearsal photographs | |
| Ticket secretary | Pat Pinnock |
| House Manager | |
| PSCC Liaison | Belinda Coghlan and Ewan Henderson |
