REVIEW
Nell Gwynn
Southend Drama Society
Thu 23 - Sat 25 May 2024
A bawdy romp
Nell Gwynn
Southend Drama Society
Thu 23 - Sat 25 May 2024
A bawdy romp
When Charles II reclaimed his throne in 1660, his attitude to life was wine women and song. Amongst other things, he legalised women to enable them to perform on the stage and then claimed many of the leading ladies as his mistress. He had fourteen illegitimate children and not one legal heir. The most famous of these mistresses was the orange seller Nell Gwynn. Jessica Swale’s play is a fictionalised story of this actress who went from being a woman of the streets to the star of the stage and a favourite mistress of the King.
Southend Drama’s production of this bawdy, riotous play entertained a sell-out crowd, who loved every minute. Nell, well played by Sophie Acton with humour, was lively, cheeky and could also belt out a dirty ditty. She interacted with the audience and in her scenes with the King, portrayed sensitivity. However, in some of the more sensitive moments she was sometimes too quiet and could not be heard.
Nell’s mentor Charles Hart, who discovered his protégé, was the usual strong performance by Bill Peel. He had to convince the acting troupe that a real woman was better than the fake ones played by the female impersonators. This was much to the chagrin of Edward Kynaston, who was the leading ‘lady.’ The part played by the director Simon Lawler who had to step in at the last moment, when Peter Navrat, who was to have played it, was indisposed. Kynaston could not believe a woman with real attributes was what acting was all about, as he believed that there had to be imagination involved. He would also in the manner of method actors today, insist on creating a back-story for himself before he would act his female roles.
There were many strong performances. I liked John Dryden (Keith Cunningham) struggling to write plays with real women. Plagiarising Shakespeare and seething with jealously over his cousin the writer Jonathan Swift.
Other members of the cast were also well-played, particularly sexy Lady Castlemaine (Samantha Lowe) and Nancy (Clare Rattenberry) who was very funny when she was taught acting. Additionally, Ruby Karatziola as the demented Portuguese Queen Catherine angrily insisting the King give up Lady Castlemaine, all her lines being Portuguese. As well as the new King’s favourite, the French spy Louise de Keroualle. This role gave Sophia Beckett a chance to practise her French. Meanwhile, the lusty monarch Charles (Danny Pavin) strutted around the stage slavering after the ladies, until reality kicked in. He began to realise he had to be political, his heir being his brother James, who as a Catholic, wasn’t wanted as King.
At various times the audience were entertained by the lively ensemble launching into joyful, ribald songs in the style of The Beggars’ Opera, which was very effective. We have to thank Ruby Karatziola who toiled for hours to fit the tunes to the lyrics.
This modern play really encompassed the Restoration period with plenty of double entendres and saucy puns. There was even a touch of feminism as the women detailed their wants and demanded their rights.
If you want a fun night out, head to the Dixon Studio to watch this bawdy romp.
Review – Jacquee Storozynski-Toll
The performance continues:-
Friday 24 May - Sat 25 May 2024
Ticket Information
£14 - £16
A transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply to your order.
Thu 23 - Sat 25 May 2024 - 7.30pm, 2.30pm
Palace Theatre Dixon Studio
Southend Drama’s production of this bawdy, riotous play entertained a sell-out crowd, who loved every minute. Nell, well played by Sophie Acton with humour, was lively, cheeky and could also belt out a dirty ditty. She interacted with the audience and in her scenes with the King, portrayed sensitivity. However, in some of the more sensitive moments she was sometimes too quiet and could not be heard.
Nell’s mentor Charles Hart, who discovered his protégé, was the usual strong performance by Bill Peel. He had to convince the acting troupe that a real woman was better than the fake ones played by the female impersonators. This was much to the chagrin of Edward Kynaston, who was the leading ‘lady.’ The part played by the director Simon Lawler who had to step in at the last moment, when Peter Navrat, who was to have played it, was indisposed. Kynaston could not believe a woman with real attributes was what acting was all about, as he believed that there had to be imagination involved. He would also in the manner of method actors today, insist on creating a back-story for himself before he would act his female roles.
There were many strong performances. I liked John Dryden (Keith Cunningham) struggling to write plays with real women. Plagiarising Shakespeare and seething with jealously over his cousin the writer Jonathan Swift.
Other members of the cast were also well-played, particularly sexy Lady Castlemaine (Samantha Lowe) and Nancy (Clare Rattenberry) who was very funny when she was taught acting. Additionally, Ruby Karatziola as the demented Portuguese Queen Catherine angrily insisting the King give up Lady Castlemaine, all her lines being Portuguese. As well as the new King’s favourite, the French spy Louise de Keroualle. This role gave Sophia Beckett a chance to practise her French. Meanwhile, the lusty monarch Charles (Danny Pavin) strutted around the stage slavering after the ladies, until reality kicked in. He began to realise he had to be political, his heir being his brother James, who as a Catholic, wasn’t wanted as King.
At various times the audience were entertained by the lively ensemble launching into joyful, ribald songs in the style of The Beggars’ Opera, which was very effective. We have to thank Ruby Karatziola who toiled for hours to fit the tunes to the lyrics.
This modern play really encompassed the Restoration period with plenty of double entendres and saucy puns. There was even a touch of feminism as the women detailed their wants and demanded their rights.
If you want a fun night out, head to the Dixon Studio to watch this bawdy romp.
Review – Jacquee Storozynski-Toll
The performance continues:-
Friday 24 May - Sat 25 May 2024
Ticket Information
£14 - £16
A transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply to your order.
Thu 23 - Sat 25 May 2024 - 7.30pm, 2.30pm
Palace Theatre Dixon Studio
Southend Drama Society present
Nell Gwynn
by Jessica Swale
Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre
22nd -25th May 2024
Plus Curtain Call with Sophie Acton and Bill Peel
Nell Gwynn
by Jessica Swale
Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre
22nd -25th May 2024
Plus Curtain Call with Sophie Acton and Bill Peel
Southend Drama Society is excited to announce its next production, Nell Gwynn by Jessica Swale, a hilarious and educational modern classic.
The Restoration of the Monarchy was a revolution against the austere rulings of Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth. When King Charles II returned from exile in 1660, his philosophy was fun, fun, fun. The King reportedly had a wife and 17 mistresses. Perhaps the most famous of these was Nell Gwynn, who social climbed from orange seller to the King’s favourite, by way of his sponsorship of theatre. For the first time, female “actor-esses” were gracing the stage to the rapturous delight of audiences.
Jessica Swale’s boisterous and sometimes bawdy script follows the progress of one London Playhouse as it struggles to come to terms with a new enlightened world. The play explores the relationship between the King, his wife and his mistresses and also touches upon the delicate political balancing act that Charles practised to keep his throne safe at home and abroad. Southend Drama Society has never put forward a play that has generated such excitement from its members. We love it and are sure you will too!
Tickets on sale now from trafalgartickets.com
The play runs from 22nd -25th May 2024.
The Restoration of the Monarchy was a revolution against the austere rulings of Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth. When King Charles II returned from exile in 1660, his philosophy was fun, fun, fun. The King reportedly had a wife and 17 mistresses. Perhaps the most famous of these was Nell Gwynn, who social climbed from orange seller to the King’s favourite, by way of his sponsorship of theatre. For the first time, female “actor-esses” were gracing the stage to the rapturous delight of audiences.
Jessica Swale’s boisterous and sometimes bawdy script follows the progress of one London Playhouse as it struggles to come to terms with a new enlightened world. The play explores the relationship between the King, his wife and his mistresses and also touches upon the delicate political balancing act that Charles practised to keep his throne safe at home and abroad. Southend Drama Society has never put forward a play that has generated such excitement from its members. We love it and are sure you will too!
Tickets on sale now from trafalgartickets.com
The play runs from 22nd -25th May 2024.
Curtain Call with Sophie Acton, 31, of Benfleet who is playing the role of Nell Gwynn
How long have you been a member of Southend Drama Society?
For nine years
Why did you join?
I'd been out of university for a good few years by then where I studied drama. I was performing as a singer as part of my job every day but I missed the acting side of it, which was always my first love!
What was the last play/musical you saw?
The last thing I saw was LTC’s performance of ‘The Hunchback of Notredam’ (which by the way was incredible)
If you could play any role, what would it be?
I would love to play Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter remake!
What’s your dream role?
Is it really a cliche to say that I'm playing my ultimate dream role at the moment? I've always wanted to play Nell ever since I saw my best friend play her in a production of ‘Playhouse Creatures’ Although I'd love to play Mary Magdalene in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ I'm aware there is a bit of a theme here. I've also been lucky enough that I've played my other dream role which was Eliza Doolittle!
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
Drinking tea and tequila and working on my novel or trying to get through the 94 books I have on my TBR list.
What is your favourite part of the play and why?
My favourite part of the play is the moment when Nell first performs on the stage and she's nervous and forgets her lines and charms her audience with a song she knows from her childhood and completely wins the public over. As actors we've all been there and we can only dream to be as charming as Nell is in that scene!
There's also a really strong sense of ‘girl power’ in this, the girls absolutely run the show and the boys wouldn't be anywhere without them (don't tell Kynaston). It's very refreshing to work with a script that is so fresh and modern.
Describe your character in Nell Gwynn in 3 words
Sassy. Charming. Cheeky.
Is there a part of you in your character?
There is so much of me in Nell. I really connect with her and I think we are very similar. I've really put my whole heart into her.
How do you learn your lines?
I record them on my phone and try and do everyone's different voices. Then I spend the next six months walking everywhere and listening to them over and over. I put the recordings on when I'm cooking or washing up too!
Who is your favourite actor?
That's a tricky question I love so many actors for different reasons. To narrow it down probably Emma Thompson or Helena Bonham Carter. I really admire both of them. And Anne Hathaway too!
Have you ever had any stage mishaps?
Yes plenty. But the best one has to be when I was doing a quick costume change when I did a production of Cinderella. I was playing Cinderella and I had to change into a ‘wedding dress’ but I forgot to put the underlayer on and as soon as I stepped out on stage the whole thing was see through!
Why do you think people should see the show?
Because it's different to anything we've put on before at Southend Drama Society. The whole group has been talking about this script for months before we even did the read through and nothing else we've ever done has generated so much excitement! The jokes are funny to us at every rehearsal even though we've heard and seen them loads of times and we're really just having such a blast. If you come to see the play I promise you will too!
It's funny, bawdy, emotional and I know that the characters will capture your hearts just as they captured mine the first time I read it.
For nine years
Why did you join?
I'd been out of university for a good few years by then where I studied drama. I was performing as a singer as part of my job every day but I missed the acting side of it, which was always my first love!
What was the last play/musical you saw?
The last thing I saw was LTC’s performance of ‘The Hunchback of Notredam’ (which by the way was incredible)
If you could play any role, what would it be?
I would love to play Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter remake!
What’s your dream role?
Is it really a cliche to say that I'm playing my ultimate dream role at the moment? I've always wanted to play Nell ever since I saw my best friend play her in a production of ‘Playhouse Creatures’ Although I'd love to play Mary Magdalene in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ I'm aware there is a bit of a theme here. I've also been lucky enough that I've played my other dream role which was Eliza Doolittle!
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
Drinking tea and tequila and working on my novel or trying to get through the 94 books I have on my TBR list.
What is your favourite part of the play and why?
My favourite part of the play is the moment when Nell first performs on the stage and she's nervous and forgets her lines and charms her audience with a song she knows from her childhood and completely wins the public over. As actors we've all been there and we can only dream to be as charming as Nell is in that scene!
There's also a really strong sense of ‘girl power’ in this, the girls absolutely run the show and the boys wouldn't be anywhere without them (don't tell Kynaston). It's very refreshing to work with a script that is so fresh and modern.
Describe your character in Nell Gwynn in 3 words
Sassy. Charming. Cheeky.
Is there a part of you in your character?
There is so much of me in Nell. I really connect with her and I think we are very similar. I've really put my whole heart into her.
How do you learn your lines?
I record them on my phone and try and do everyone's different voices. Then I spend the next six months walking everywhere and listening to them over and over. I put the recordings on when I'm cooking or washing up too!
Who is your favourite actor?
That's a tricky question I love so many actors for different reasons. To narrow it down probably Emma Thompson or Helena Bonham Carter. I really admire both of them. And Anne Hathaway too!
Have you ever had any stage mishaps?
Yes plenty. But the best one has to be when I was doing a quick costume change when I did a production of Cinderella. I was playing Cinderella and I had to change into a ‘wedding dress’ but I forgot to put the underlayer on and as soon as I stepped out on stage the whole thing was see through!
Why do you think people should see the show?
Because it's different to anything we've put on before at Southend Drama Society. The whole group has been talking about this script for months before we even did the read through and nothing else we've ever done has generated so much excitement! The jokes are funny to us at every rehearsal even though we've heard and seen them loads of times and we're really just having such a blast. If you come to see the play I promise you will too!
It's funny, bawdy, emotional and I know that the characters will capture your hearts just as they captured mine the first time I read it.
Curtain Call with Bill Peel, 50, from Leigh on Sea, who plays Charles Hart
How long have you been a member of Southend Drama Society?
12 years
Why did you join?
My kids didn’t need me anymore.
What was the last play/musical you saw?
Sleuth at The Palace Theatre, Westcliff.
If you could play any role, what would it be?
Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire, but I’m too old.
What’s your dream role been?
Eddie Carbone in A View From The Bridge, which I managed to achieve.
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
Watching live music.
What is your favourite part of the play and why?
Scene 2 where I teach Nell to act, because it’s so much fun to perform.
Describe your character in Nell Gwynn in 3 words.
Actor, lover, loser
Is there a part of you in your character?
The actor bit.
How do you learn your lines?
Read/cover/repeat
Who is your favourite actor?
Gary Oldman
Have you ever had any stage mishaps?
Several. The funniest involved being tipped off a bench, spilling coffee everywhere and being congratulated on the choreography of the unintended incident.
Why do you think people should see the show?
Because it is extremely funny, moving and is performed by a first class cast.
12 years
Why did you join?
My kids didn’t need me anymore.
What was the last play/musical you saw?
Sleuth at The Palace Theatre, Westcliff.
If you could play any role, what would it be?
Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire, but I’m too old.
What’s your dream role been?
Eddie Carbone in A View From The Bridge, which I managed to achieve.
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
Watching live music.
What is your favourite part of the play and why?
Scene 2 where I teach Nell to act, because it’s so much fun to perform.
Describe your character in Nell Gwynn in 3 words.
Actor, lover, loser
Is there a part of you in your character?
The actor bit.
How do you learn your lines?
Read/cover/repeat
Who is your favourite actor?
Gary Oldman
Have you ever had any stage mishaps?
Several. The funniest involved being tipped off a bench, spilling coffee everywhere and being congratulated on the choreography of the unintended incident.
Why do you think people should see the show?
Because it is extremely funny, moving and is performed by a first class cast.
Below: the cast in rehearsal
