“Nell Gwynn” by Jessica Swales
Lace Market Theatre

London, 1660. King Charles II has exploded onto the scene with a love of all things extravagant and sexy. And in the West End, a young Nell Gwynn is causing a stir amongst the theatregoers...

This is a warm-hearted, bawdy comedy which tells of the rise of an unlikely heroine, from her impoverished roots as an orange seller to her success as Britain's most celebrated actress, winning the adoration of the public and the heart of the King. But at a time when women are second-class citizens, will her charm and spirit be enough to protect her from the dangers of the Court?

This is the third time that I'd seen "Nell Gwynn", but this production seems so different to the ones that I'd seen previously, and strange as this may seem, it must be down to the Director and the cast.

Georgia Wray as Nell is a class act, going from selling her oyster, to selling oranges, to selling a character as an actor. A lovely Cockney charm, but all the way through, Georgia gave Nell a supreme confidence, letting us know that she was in charge of her own life.Georgia also gets to air her vocal chords in some very saucy, innuendo filled music hall ditties.

Georgie Sandland plays Rose Gwynn, gets the hard task of being the go-between, the link that tried to keep the connection between Nell and her Mother

Linda Croston doubles as Ma Gwynn as well as Queen Catherine, and also is responsible for sourcing all of the wonderful costumes in this periodic romp. I had to really peer at Linda in this role as she is practically unrecognisable - possibly because every time I see Linda she always looks so glam. In this down trodden role, and with that wonderful accent, you'd not connect the two. A wonderful piece of character acting.

Harrison Lee plays the flamboyant Edward Kynaston, who is in danger of losing his reign as London’s main female character actor, to a female actor in the shape of Nell. Just the right side of camp without going over the top. There is a wonderful scene explaining "the language of the fan" that is sublimely comical.

Trev Clarke (Thomas Killigrew), played the dramatist and theatre manager, succeeding in bringing the wit of the character alive.

Matthew Thomason (Charles Hart) for me, made me smile the most with his foppish and over the top physicality as Hart. if you're going to sell a move or speech, then oversell it, and that is what Matthew did.Even down to his facial expressions, everything was delivered to the back row of the theatre. loved this role and characterisation.A wonderful masterclass in how to exaggerate for the ultimate comic effect.

Richard Fife (John Dryden), again delivered a sterling performance as the playwright, whose ideas seem to bear a resemblance to some other works of literature for some reason. I don't ever remember Richard giving a less than perfect performance, and this is another great one to add to that CV.

Alison Hope (Nancy) does comic roles so well and this is a brilliant role for a comedy actor. That is one thing you'll find with Swale's work; she knows how to write for women exceptionally well. This role shows just how forthright and humorous women from this period were. I loved the scene where Nancy was subbing in the play within this play and the "ham" actor was shown, something that you just can't level at Alison's acting skills.

Connor Jones (Ned Spiggett), again made me smile as the "actor in training" in Dryden's prologue, making a bit of a hash of the prologue, which allows us to be introduced to Nell at the start of the play. loved the Welsh accent, and also the comic one liners and quips Ned got to deliver. Another fun character in a play full of fun characters.

Jamie Goodliffe (King Charles), like Charles Hart was wonderfully over the top in everything that he did, including his amorous pursuits. Think Leslie Phillips crossed with Sid James and that is pretty close to this characterisation. Brilliant fun and I loved the Franglais scene, reminiscent of "Allo Allo".

David Dunford (Lord Arlington) plays Charles' chief minister, and a bit of a baddie as he tries to thwart the romance between Nell and the King.

Clare Moss (Lady Castlemaine/Louisa de Keroualle) shines in both roles, but it's the French Louisa de Keroualle that gives Clare the chance to show her comedy heels with the faux French accent. There is a scene where she attends the play with Charles, thinking that she will outshine Nell but Nell appears on stage with a look that puts Louisa in the shadows on more than one way!

Directed by Dave Partridge, in his first involvement with the Lace Market Theatre, makes a fine debut. Saying that, he is no stranger to the stage as he has a very credible CV where the stage is concerned and is a fine addition to the Lace Market Theatre’s talented group. Dave is assisted in this role by Linda Croston and between them they produce a very entertaining and comical romp.

Dave Partridge and Mark James together are responsible for the Set Design which is sparse but works really well. the idea to have all of the actors on stage, but at the back and the side where you could see them was an inspired idea.

Lighting Design by Simon Carter and Sound Design by Matt Allcock transported us back in time perfectly.

Wardrobe credits go to Linda Croston and Marie Morehen and was a visual treat.

You can only come to the conclusion that the cast absolutely loved performing this play. The speed of the story shows that a lot of hard work has gone into the timing and pace of the story, making sure there is not one second that you'll not be entertained by this wonderfully talented cast and crew.

Tonight looked to be a sold out show, and I know that Friday and Saturday are also sold out, so if you want to get the chance to see this bawdy comedy, you better get a move on and get your tickets

“Nell Gwynn” is at the Lace Market Theatre until Saturday 1 February.