Nell Gwynn
By Jessica Swale
The Caxton Players
Caxton Theatre Grimsby
23 – 30 July 2022
7:30 pm
Some people may be put off by the “old” story of Nell Gwynn and feel that this play is not for them as they want to have a laugh and be entertained, not be tested on how well they understand an archaic story in Shakespearean English that they have to strain to understand all night. Rest assured, Jessica Swales’ take on the true story of Nell Gwynn is very modern in its approach, bawdy in its telling and very funny. It hits the mark so well. Audiences will love it. This is Nell for the 21st century. Yes, it is costumed and set as a period piece should be, but Gemma Dodd’s production is reminiscent of modern comedy such as Upstart Crow. This play won an Olivier Award as the Best Comedy of 2015 and the actresses who played Nell in its original production and its West End run both won Best Actress awards and it is not difficult to see why.
The play is a gift to actresses with some marvellous roles, none better than the titular role of Nell. In that role, Katherine Leonard makes her Caxton Players’ debut though has been a stalwart on the local drama scene for many years. She gives an animated and spirited performance as Nell, always performing and always reacting as well as acting. Her vocal delivery and timing is excellent, and she leads the cast in every way through this performance. Leonard is a pleasure to watch even when she has no lines, her reactions and the way she uses her eyes, and her face are priceless. Her chemistry with her original mentor, Charles Hart played by Frankie Espin is palpable.
Espin makes a splendid “actor” as Hart in what is also his debut for the Caxton Players. His larger than life acting technique captures the nature of early English drama well and his “over-the-top” gesticulation, combined with a booming voice makes him perfect for the role of the charismatic performer who spots Nell’s raw talent whilst she was only an orange seller at the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane and teaches her to act before championing her cause.
Hart’s company manager is played by seasoned performer Michael Mayne. Again, Mayne typifies the pomposity and hubris of the great actor/managers of the day. The always impressive Mayne is so well suited to this role which allows him to demonstrate his rich tones and his charismatic stage presence.
Not only is Thomas Killigrew (Mayne) willing to consider a female lead in his company, he is also the patron of struggling playwright John Dryden played like a defeated puppy at times by Jake March-Jones. In his performance of Dryden, replete with a wonderful Black Country accent, we see March-Jones swing from despair to genius and back again as Dryden struggles to get his creative juices going and Nell provides him with the perfect muse.
Also within the company of players are Nancy played with exquisite comedy timing by Debbie Sheppard, the much put-upon Ned Spigget played by Chris Ladson as a melancholic tryer who does his best and the flamboyant Edward Kynaston played with glee and relish by Jack Scott.
Kynaston had previously played all the prime female roles and is deeply jealous of the company’s new star attraction being a real woman. His fervour and frustration is witty and winning in its performance.
We also see the other side of the coin, as Nell is famous for becoming one of Charles IIs most-favoured mistresses. Thus, we are privy to scenes set within the Royal court. The effete dandy, Charles II is played by Caxton regular John Smith and his curly wig is a sight to behold. His ardent womanising and flighty nature is well-conveyed as he flits from one illicit relationship to another in the blink of an eye.
Nell’s two main rivals for the King’s affection are both played with fire and passion by Jessica Howden who wears period costume magnificently, as if born to it. Her poisonous snakelike performance as Lady Castlemaine will prove highly memorable, I’m sure.
In addition, we meet Jane Webster’s all-seeing yet tight-lipped lady-in-waiting and the potential show stealer Indy Webster as Charles’ beloved spaniel in a wonderful cameo that will definitely win the hearts of all who see her. Speaking of cameos, Marie Barker provides a memorable turn as Queen Katherine who stamps, rants and raves in Portuguese. Her hilarious performance stands out for the sheer bonkers nature of the role.
Providing a villain you love to hate, Josh Wainwright plays the King’s advisor Lord Arlington. Arlington is a master of dirty tricks and a decidedly nasty piece of work. He sees himself as the protector of the King’s interests but is merely a regal enforcer and a bully, something which Wainwright conveys with relish.
The last two roles to mention are those of Nell’s estranged family. Her sister Rose is played with humility and understanding by Alison Stretton, who returns to the Caxton Theatre after a twenty-year gap. She begins as Nell’s confidante and best friend but grows ever more distant as Nell’s stratospheric rise among the gentry becomes evident.
Finally, we meet the deliciously unpleasant Ma Gwynn. In a performance that perhaps owes much to Catherine Tate’s “Nan”, Pam Whalley is hilarious and unrecognisable beneath the makeup, as she wanders around the Royal court admiring and considering pinching many of the precious items she encounters. Whalley really knows how to make the most of a cameo and is fabulous.
The production is a bold choice and Dodds’ direction keeps it tight, witty and fast-paced. She is joined by her eldest daughter Ebony, who acts as dance captain during the shows musical numbers to ensure the steps are learned and maintained in performance as she leads the cast through their dances discretely.
There is so much to enjoy in this play, the set design and build is fabulous and the costumes, especially the gowns are breath-taking. And there is a live dog. Who doesn't love to see a live animal pampered on stage? Audiences will not be disappointed by this witty, colourful and visually stunning piece. The show runs from Saturday 23 July to Saturday 3 July 2022 at the Caxton Theatre Grimsby and tickets are available.
Andy Evans 20 July 2022
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