Playhouse Creatures

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?

• Release date
• April 15, 2025
• Runtime
• 108 min
• Genres
• Drama
• Director
• Michael Oakley

Cast

Zoe Brough Nell Gwyn Anna Chancellor Mrs Betterton Doña Croll Doll Common Katherine Kingsley Mrs Marshall

N

Nicole Sawyerr Mrs Farley