Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
There is no doubt that the theatre at Shakespeare North Playhouse is individually, and perhaps uniquely suited, to the historical drama of Nell Gwynn. Set during the Restoration period, when women were first allowed to be on the stage, the play tells the story of actress, rebel and King’s mistress Nell Gwynn, a trailblazer with more influence than history gives her credit for. The replica 1600s space is intimate, close, with the audience well lit and almost on stage, suiting the metatheatrical elements.
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| Photo by Pamela Raith |
Rose Shalloo is perfect as Nell herself. Light on her feet, quick as anything, you really believe that she is the plucky heroine from Cheapside. However, the truly standout performances belong to Adam Clifford and Stanton Wright. Clifford plays the completely contrasting characters of Lord Arlington - old, grizzled, Scottish - and Thomas Killigrew - flamboyant, eccentric, comedic director of the King's Players. If you had not seen the programme, you would have found it impossible to believe that this was the same man, so transformed was he between roles. Stanton Wright is Edward Kynaston - camp, eccentric, the comedic heart of the show, and a performance that had me genuinely crying with laughter at one point. He is masterful in how he commands the stage, and makes it extremely hard to look away.
Jessica Swale’s lines are the right choice for this space, the Paddington writer’s early hit making it seem as though you truly are in the 1600s. This is only backed by Immersive sound design from Pete Malkin - and it is truly unlike anything else.
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| Photo by Pamela Raith |
The nearly three hour long run time is daunting, but for the most part the performers handle it with grace - the ending, somehow, despite this, does feel mildly rushed, but it is a funny play with funny moments, that will then tug on your heartstrings completely.
With the co-production also touring to Theatre by the Lake in Keswick and the Storyhouse (in the Grosvenor Open Air Theatre, no less), this is definitely not a play to be missed this summer.
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Nell Gwynn runs at Shakespeare North Playhouse until Saturday 4th July 2026. For tickets visit https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/nell-gwynn/
The production then visits Theatre By The Lake in Keswick running from Thursday 9th July until Saturday 1st August. Tickets are available from https://www.theatrebythelake.com/event/nell-gwynn-keswick-lake-district-theatre/
The production will also play at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre in Chester from Friday 21st August until Sunday 6th September. Tickets are available from https://www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/nell-gwynn-park/
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| Photo by Pamela Raith |
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